MASTER 

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A  UTHOR : 


TILESTON,  MARY  WILDER 


TITLE: 


DAILY  STRENGTH  FOR 

DAILY  NEEDS 


PLACE: 


BOSTON 

DA  TE : 

1891 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARIES 
PRESERVATION  DEPARTMENT 


Master  Negative  # 


BIBLIOGRAPHIC  MICROFORM  TARCIFT 


Original  Material  as  Filmed  -  Existing  Bibliographic  Record 


240 
T455 


Restrictions  on  Use: 


I  IP  ■  I' » 

-I 


Jileston,  Mary  Wilder  (Foote)]  1843-1934,  ed. 

Daily  strength  for  daily  needs  ...     Selected  by  the  editor  of 
"Quiet  hours."    Boston,  Roberts  brothers,  489i-.  1895. 

2  p.  1..  378  p.    15-. 

Preface  signed :  M.  W.  T.  [i,  c.  Mary  Wilder  Tllestonj 


1.  Devotional  exercises.    2.  Calendars.        i.  Title. 


Library  of  Congress  1      BV4810.T5    1891 


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43-39852  /  5 


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MfiNUPqCTURED   TO  fillM  STRNDORDS 
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Columbia  (BnttJewfitp 

THE  LIBRARIES 


Bequest  of 

Frederic  Bancroft 
1860-1945 


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*S.^i 


Daily  Strength 


FOR 


Daily  Needs. 


As  thy  days,  so  shall  thy  strength  Af." 


SdccUU  bj  tijc  lEUitor  of  **©uirt  l^ouw." 


? 


n  .|  * 


BOSTON: 

ROBERTS     BROTHERS. 
1895. 


PREFACE. 


Copyright,  1881, 
By  Mary  W.  Tileston. 


•  ••••••     •     •••••     •      »• 

•  •••••«.  .••••••      •«•    ••    • 

>•     ••*,*•       •••■••••• 

•  •      •    ••*    *••    •>    ••   •••••    • 

*       '    •,    •••      •    ••    •••••    • 

•     •,••     •        ••,•••       • 

Rntbrrsits  JjJTfss: 
John  Wilson  and  Son,  Cambkidgh,  U.S.A. 


THIS  little  book  of  brief  selections  in 
prose  and  verse,  with  accompanying 
texts  of  Scripture,  is  intended  for  a  daily 
companion  and  counsellor.  These  words 
of  the  goodly  fellowship  of  wise  and  holy 
men  of  many  times,  it  is  hoped  may  help  to 
strengthen  the  reader  to  perform  the  duties 
and  to  bear  the  burdens  of  each  day  with 
cheerfulness  and  courage. 

M.  W.  T. 


T^ 


January  1. 


4* 


They  go  from  strength  to  strength.  —  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  7. 

First  the  blade^  then  the  ear^  after  that  the  full 
corn  in  the  ear.  —  Mark  iv,  28. 


Build  thee  more  stately  mansions,  O  my  soul. 

As  the  swift  seasons  roll  1 

Leave  thy  low-vaulted  past  I 
Let  each  new  temple,  nobler  than  the  last, 
Shut  thee  from  heaven  with  a  dome  more  vast. 

Till  thou  at  length  art  free, 
Leaving  thine  outgrown  shell  by  life's  unresting  seal 

O.  W.  Holmes. 

TIJ IGH  hearts  are  never  long  without  hearing 
some   new   call,  some   distant  clarion   of 
God,  even  in  their  dreams ;  and  soon  they  are 
observed  to  break  up  the  camp  of  ease,  and  start 
on  some  fresh  march  of  faithful  service.     And, 
looking  higher   still,  we  find   those  who   never 
wait  till  their  moral  work  accumulates,  and  who 
reward  resolution  with  no  rest ;  with  whom,  there- 
fore, the  alternation  is  instantaneous  and   con- 
stant ;  who  do  the  good  only  to  see  the  better, 
and  see  the  better  only  to  achieve  it ;    who  are 
too  meek  for  transport,  too  faithful  for  remorse, 
too  earnest  for  repose  ;  whose  worship  is  action, 
and  whose  action  ceaseless  aspiration. 

J.  Martineau. 


January  2. 


January  3. 


The  Lord  shall  preserve  thy  going  out  and  thy 
coming  in  from  this  time  forth,  and  even  for  ever- 
more.  —  Ps.  cxxi.  8. 

Lordy  Thou  hast  been  our  dwelling-place  in  all 
generations,  —  Ps.  xc.  i. 

With  grateful  hearts  the  past  we  own ; 
The  future,  all  to  us  unknown, 
We  to  Thy  guardian  care  commit, 
And  peaceful  leave  before  Thy  feet. 

P.  Doddridge. 

flTE  are  like  to  Him  with  whom  there  is  no 
^^  past  or  future,  with  whom  a  day  is  as  a 
thousand  years,  and  a  thousand  years  as  one  day, 
when  we  do  our  work  in  the  great  present,  leav- 
ing both  past  and  future  to  Him  to  whom  they 
are  ever  present,  and  fearing  nothing,  because  He 
is  in  our  future  as  much  as  He  is  in  our  past,  as 
much  as,  and  far  more  than,  we  can  feel  Him  to 
be  in  our  present.  Partakers  thus  of  the  divine 
nature,  resting  in  that  perfect  All-in-all  in  whom 
our  nature  is  eternal  too,  we  walk  without  fear, 
full  of  hope  and  courage  and  strength  to  do  His 
will,  waiting  for  the  endless  good  which  He  is 
always  giving  as  fast  as  He  can  get  us  able  to 

take  it  in. 

G.  MacDonalb. 


F*   ,1 


As  thy  daySy  so  shall  thy  strength  be.  —  Deut. 
xxxiii.  25. 

Sufficient  unto  the  day  is  the  evil  thereof  — 
Matt.  vi.  34. 


Oh,  ask  not  thou,  How  shall  I  bear 

The  burden  of  to-morrow  t 
Sufficient  for  to-day,  its  care, 

Its  evil  and  its  sorrow ; 
God  imparteth  by  the  way 
Strength  sufficient  for  the  day. 

J.  E.  Saxby. 


TJE  that  hath  so  many  causes  of  joy,  and  so 
great,  is  very  much  in  love  with  sorrow 
and  peevishness,  who  loses  all  these  pleasures, 
and  chooses  to  sit  down  upon  his  little  handful 
of  thorns.  Enjoy  the  blessings  of  this  day,  if 
God  sends  them ;  and  the  evils  of  it  bear  pa- 
tiently and  sweetly  :  for  this  day  is  only  ours,  we 
are  dead  to  yesterday,  and  we  are  not  yet  bom 
to  the  morrow.  But  if  we  look  abroad,  and  bring 
into  one  day's  thoughts  the  evil  of  many,  certain 
and  uncertain,  what  will  be  and  what  will  never 
be,  our  load  will  be  as  intolerable  as  it  is  unrea- 
sonable. 

Jeremy  Taylor. 


January  4. 


'!, 


If  we  sifty  we  are  Thine^  knowing  Thy  power : 
but  we  will  not  sin^  knowing  that  we  are  counted 
Thine.  For  to  know  Thee  is  perfect  righteousness  : 
yeay  to  know  Thy  power  is  the  root  of  immor- 
tality.—  Wisdom  of  Solomon  xv.  2,  3. 


Oh,  empty  us  of  self,  the  world,  and  sin, 

And  then  in  all  Thy  fulness  enter  in  ; 

Take  full  possession,  Lord,  and  let  each  thought 

Into  obedience  unto  Thee  be  brought; 

Thine  is  the  power,  and  Thine  the  will,  that  we 

Be  wholly  sanctified,  O  Ixird,  to  Thee. 

C.  E.  J. 

HTAKE  steadily  some  one  sin,  which  seems  to 
stand  out  before  thee,  to  root  it  out,  by 
God's  grace,  and  every  fibre  of  it.  Purpose 
strongly,  by  the  grace  and  strength  of  God, 
wholly  to  sacrifice  this  sin  or  sinful  inclination  to 
the  love  of  God',  to  spare  it  not,  until  thou  leave 
of  it  none  remaining,  neither  root  nor  branch. 

Fix,  by  God's  help,  not  only  to  root  out  this 
sin,  but  to  set  thyself  to  gain,  by  that  same  help, 
the  opposite  grace.  If  thou  art  tempted  to  be 
angry,  try  hard,  by  God's  grace,  to  be  very  meek ; 
if  to  be  proud,  seek  to  be  very  humble. 

E.  B.  PusEV 


January  5. 


a  -I 

IP 


That  He  might  present  it  to  Himself  a  glorious 
churchy  not  having  spot^  or  lurinkle^  or  any  such 
things  but  that  it  should  be  holy  and  without 
blemish.  —  Eph.  v.  27. 

Ye  also^  as  lively  stones,  are  built  up  a  spiritual 
house.  —  I  Peter  ii.  5. 

One  holy  Church  of  God  appears 

Through  every  age  and  race, 
Unwasted  by  the  lapse  of  years, 

Unchanged  by  changing  place. 

S.  Longfellow. 

A  TEMPLE  there  has  been  upon  earth,  a 
•^^^  spiritual  Temple,  made  up  of  living  stones  ; 
a  Temple,  as  I  may  say,  composed  of  souls ;  a 
Temple  with  God  for  its  light,  and  Christ  for  the 
high  priest  \  with  wings  of  angels  for  its  arches, 
with  saints  and  teachers  for  its  pillars,  and  with 
worshippers  for  its  pavement.  Wherever  there  is 
faith  and  love,  this  Temple  is. 

J.  H.  Newman. 

To  whatever  worlds  He  carries  our  souls  when 
they  shall  pass  out  of  these  imprisoning  bodies, 
in  those  worlds  these  souls  of  ours  shall  find 
themselves  part  of  the  same  great  Temple ;  for 
it  belongs  not  to  this  earth  alone.  There  can  be 
no  end  of  the  universe  where  God  is,  to  which 
that  growing  Temple  does  not  reach,  —  the  Tem- 
ple of  a  creation  to  be  wrought  at  last  into  a  per- 
fect utterance  of  God  by  a  perfect  obedience  to 
God. 

Phillips  Brooks. 


January  6. 


January  7. 


\ 


In  all  a<jes  entering  into  holy  souls^  she  [IVis' 
dom]  tnaketh  them  friends  of  God,  and  prophets.  — • 
Wisdom  of  Solomon  vii.  27. 

Meanwhile  with  every  son  and  saint  of  Thine 

Along  the  glorious  line, 
Sitting  by  turns  beneath  Thy  sacred  feet 

We  'II  hold  communion  sweet, 
Know  them  by  look  and  voice,  and  thank  them  all 

For  helping  us  in  thrall. 

For  words  of  hope,  and  bright  examples  given 

To  shew  through  moonless  skies  that  there  is  light  in 

heaven.  _    ,, 

J.  Keble. 

TF  we  cannot  live  at  once  and  alone  with  Him, 
"■-  we  may  at  least  live  with  those  who  have 
lived  with  Him ;  and  find,  in  our  admiring  love 
for  their  purity,  their  truth,  their  goodness,  an 
intercession  with  His  pity  on  our  behalf.  To 
study  the  lives,  to  meditate  the  sorrows,  to  com- 
mune with  the  thoughts,  of  the  great  and  holy 
men  and  women  of  this  rich  world,  is  a  sacred 
discipline,  which  deserves  at  least  to  rank  as  the 
forecourt  of  the  temple  of  true  worship,  and  may 
train  the  tastes,  ere  we  pass  the  very  gate,  of 
heaven.  .  .  .  We  forfeit  the  chief  source  of  dig- 
nity and  sweetness  in  life,  next  to  the  direct  com- 
munion with  God,  if  we  do  not  seek  converse 
with  the  greater  minds  that  have  left  their  vestiges 

on  the  world.  ^   ,, 

J.  Martln'eau. 

Do  not  think  it  wasted  time  to  submit  yourself 
to  any  influence  which  may  bring  upon  you  any 
noble  feeling. 

J.    RUSKIN. 


The  exceeding  greatness  of  His  power  to  us^ 
ward  who  believe^  according  to  the  working  of  His 
mighty  power.  —  Eph.  i.  19. 

The  lives  which  seem  so  poor,  so  low, 
The  hearts  which  are  so  cramped  and  dull, 

The  baffled  hopes,  the  impulse  slow, 
Thou  takest,  touchest  all,  and  lo  1 

They  blossom  to  the  beautiful. 

Susan  Coolidge. 

A  ROOT  set  in  the  finest  soil,  in  the  best  cli- 
mate,  and  blessed  with  all  that  sun  and  air 
and  rain  can  do  for  it,  is  not  in  so  sure  a  way  of 
its  growth  to  perfection,  as  every  man  may  be, 
whose  spirit  aspires  after  all  that  which  God  is 
ready  and  infinitely  desirous  to  give  him.  For 
the  sun  meets  not  the  springing  bud  that  stretches 
towards  him  with  half  that  certainty,  as  God,  the 
source  of  all  good,  communicates  Himself  to  the 
soul  that  longs  to  partake  of  Him. 

Wm.  Law. 

If  we  stand  in  the  openings  of  the  present 
moment,  with  all  the  length  and  breadth  of  our 
faculties  unselfishly  adjusted  to  what  it  reveals, 
we  are  in  the  best  condition  to  receive  what  God 
is  always  ready  to  communicate. 

T.  C.  Upham, 


8 


January  8. 


January  9. 


y 


As  we  have  therefore  opportunity^  let  us  do  good 
unto  all  men.  —  Gal.  vi.  lo. 

Let  brotherly  love  continue.  —  Heb.  xiii.  I. 

I  ASK  Thee  for  a  thoughtful  love, 
Through  constant  watching  wise, 

To  meet  the  glad  with  joyful  smiles. 
And  to  wipe  the  weeping  eyes, 

And  a  heart  at  leisure  from  itself. 
To  soothe  and  sympathize. 

A.  L   Waring. 

OURELY  none  are  so  full  of  cares,  or  so  poor 
in  gifts,  that  to  them  also,  waiting  patiently 
and  trustfully  on  God  for  His  daily  commands, 
He  will  not  give  direct  ministry  for  Him,  increas- 
ing according  to  their  strength  and  their  desire. 
There  is  so  much  to  be  set  right  in  the  world, 
there  are  so  many  to  be  led  and  helped  and 
comforted,  that  we  must  continually  come  in  con- 
tact with  such  in  our  daily  life.  Let  us  only  take 
care,  that,  by  the  glance  being  turned  inward,  or 
strained  onward,  or  lost  in  vacant  reverie,  we  do 
not  miss  our  turn  of  service,  and  pass  by  those 
to  whom  we  might  have  been  sent  on  an  errand 

straight  from  God. 

Elizabeth  Charles. 

Look  up  and  not  down  ;  look  forward  and  not 
back ;  look  out  and  not  in ;  and  lend  a  hand. 

Edward  E.  Hale. 


And  in  every  work  that  he  began  in  the  service 
of  the  house  of  God,  and  in  the  law,  and  in  the 
commandments,  to  seek  his  God,  he  did  it  with  all 
his  heart,  and  prospered.  — 2  Chron.  xxxi.  21. 

What  shall  we  do,  that  we  might  work  the  works 
of  Godf  —  ]oHN  vi.  28. 


Give  me  within  the  work  which  calls  to-day, 
To  see  Thy  finger  gently  beckoning  on; 

So  struggle  grows  to  freedom,  work  to  play. 
And  toils  begun  from  Thee  to  Thee  are  done. 

J.  F.  Clarke. 


(^OD  is  a  kind  Father.  He  sets  us  all  in  the 
places  where  He  wishes  us  to  be  employed ; 
and  that  employment  is  truly  "  our  Father's  busi- 
ness." He  chooses  work  for  every  creature  which 
will  be  delightful  to  them,  if  they  do  it  simply  and 
humbly.  He  gives  us  always  strength  enough, 
and  sense  enough,  for  what  He  wants  us  to  do ; 
if  we  either  tire  ourselves  or  puzzle  ourselves,  it 
is  our  own  fault.  And  we  may  always  be  sure, 
whatever  we  are  doing,  that  we  cannot  be  pleasing 
Him,  if  we  are  not  happy  ourselves. 

J.  Rusk  IN. 


lO 


January  10. 


Because  Thy  loving-kindness  is  better  than  life, 
my  lips  shall  praise  Thee.  —  Ps.  Ixiii.  3. 

Whosoever  shall  seek  to  save  his  life  shall  lose 
it;  and  whosoever  shall  lose  his  life  shall  preserve 
it.  —  Luke  xvii.  33. 

•  O  Lord  I  my  best  desires  fulfil. 

And  help  me  to  resign 
Life,  health,  and  comfort,  to  Thy  will, 
And  make  Thy  pleasure  mine. 

Wm.  Cowper. 

"117  HAT  do  our  heavy  hearts  prove  but  that 
other  things  are  sweeter  to  us  than  His 
will,  that  we  have  not  attained  to  the  full  mastery 
of  our  true  freedom,  the  full  perception  of  its 
power,  that  our  sonship  is  yet  but  faintly  realized, 
and  its  blessedness  not  yet  proved  and  known? 
Our  consent  would  turn  all  our  trials  into  obedi- 
ence. By  consenting  we  make  them  our  own, 
and  offer  them  with  ourselves  again  to  Him. 

H.  E.  Manning. 

Nothing  is  intolerable  that  is  necessary.  Now 
God  hath  bound  thy  trouble  upon  thee,  with  a 
design  to  try  thee,  and  with  purposes  to  reward 
and  crown  thee.  These  cords  thou  canst  not 
break ;  and  therefore  lie  thou  down  gently,  and 
suffer  the  hand  of  God  to  do  what  He  please. 

Jeremy  Taylor. 


January  11, 


II 


/  will  be  glad,  and  rejoice  in  Thy  mercy;  for 
Thou  hast  considered  my  trouble;  Thou  hast 
known  my  soul  in  adversities.  —  Ps.  xxxi.   7. 

Nay,  all  by  Thee  is  ordered,  chosen,  planned^ 
t-ach  drop  that  fills  my  daily  cup;  Thy  hand 
Prescribes  for  ills  none  else  can  understand. 

All,  all  is  known  to  Thee. 

A.  L.  Newton. 

(^OD  knows  us  through  and  through.    Not  the 
most  secret  thought,  which  we  most  hide 
from  ourselves,  is  hidden  from  Him.    As  then  we 
come  to  know  ourselves  through  and  through  we 
come  to  see  ourselves  more  as  God  sees  us,  'and 
then  we  catch  some  little  glimpse  of  His  designs 
with  us,  how  each  ordering  of  His  Providence 
each  check  to  our  desires,  each  failure  of  our 
hopes,  IS  just  fitted  for  us,  and  for  something  in 
our  own  spiritual  state,  which  others  know  not  of 
and  which,  till  then,  we  knew  not.     Until  we 
come  to  this  knowledge,  we  must  take  all  in  faith 
believmg,  though  we  know  not,  the  goodness  of 
God  towards  us.    As  we  know  ourselves,  we,  thus 
tar,  know  God. 

E.  B.   PUSEY, 


I 


12 


January  12. 


January  13. 


13 


\ 


Let  the  words  of  my  mouthy  and  the  meditation 
of  my  hearty  be  acceptable  in  Thy  sights  O  Lord, 
my  strength,  and  my  redeemer,  —  Ps.  xix.  14. 

The  thoughts  that  in  our  hearts  keep  place. 

Lord,  make  a  holy,  heavenly  throng. 
And  steep  in  innocence  and  grace 

The  issue  of  each  guarded  tongue. 

T.  H.  Gill. 

'T^HERE  is  another  kind  of  silence  to  be  culti- 
vated,  besides  that  of  the  tongue  as  regards 
others.  I  mean  silence  as  regards  one's  self,  — 
restraining  the  imagination,  not  permitting  it  to 
dwell  overmuch  on  what  we  have  heard  or  said, 
not  indulging  in  the  phantasmagoria  of  picture- 
thoughts,  whether  of  the  past  or  future.  Be  sure 
that  you  have  made  no  small  progress  in  the  spir- 
itual life,  when  you  can  control  your  imagination, 
so  as  to  fix  it  on  the  duty  and  occupation  actually 
existing,  to  the  exclusion  of  the  crowd  of  thoughts 
which  are  perpetually  sweeping  across  the  mind. 
No  doubt,  you  cannot  prevent  those  thoughts 
from  arising,  but  you  can  prevent  yourself  from 
dwelling  on  them  ;  you  can  put  them  aside,  you 
can  check  the  self-complacency,  or  irritation,  or 
earthly  longings  which  feed  them,  and  by  the 
practice  of  such  control  of  your  thoughts  you 
will  attain  that  spirit  of  inward  silence  which 
draws  the  soul  into  a  close  intercourse  with  God, 

Jean  N.  Grou. 


Speak  not  evil  one  of  another^  brethren.  — James 
iv.  1 1 . 

Let  all  bitterness,  and  wrath,  and  anger,  and 
clamor,  and  evil  speaking,  be  put  away  from  you^ 
with  all  malice,  —  Eph.  iv.  31. 

If  aught  good  thou  canst  not  say 

Of  thy  brother,  foe,  or  friend, 
Take  thou,  then,  the  silent  way, 

Lest  in  word  thou  shouldst  offend- 

Anon. 

JF  there  is  any  person  to  whom  you  feel  dislike, 
that  is  the  person  of  whom  you  ought  never 
to  speak. 

R.  Cecil. 

To  recognize  with  delight  all  high  and  gener- 
ous  and  beautiful  actions ;  to  find  a  joy  even  in 
seeing  the  good  qualities  of  your  bitterest  oppo- 
nents, and  to  admire  those  qualities  even  in  those 
with  whom  you  have  least  sympathy,  —  be  it  either 
the  Romanist  or  the  Unitarian,  —  this  is  the  only 
spirit  which  can  heal  the  love  of  slander  and  of 
calumny. 

F.  W.  Robertson- 


f 
f 


M 


January  14. 


Thy  senmnts  are  ready  to  do  whatsoever  my 
lord  the  king  shall  appoint,  —  2  Sam.  xv.  15. 

I  LOVE  to  think  that  God  appohits 

My  portion  day  by  day ; 
Events  of  life  are  in  His  hand, 

And  I  would  only  say, 
Appoint  them  in  Thine  own  good  time, 

And  in  Thine  own  best  way. 

A.  L.  Waring. 

TF  we  are  really,  and  always,  and  equally  ready 
*     to  do  whatsoever  the  King  appoints,  all  the 
trials  and  vexations  arising  from  any  change  in 
His  appointments,  great  or  small,  simply  do  not 
exist.     If  He  appoints  me  to  work  there,  shall  I 
lament  that  I  am  not  to  work  here  ?     If  He  ap- 
points  me  to  wait  in-doors  to-day,  am  I  to  be 
annoyed  because  I  am  not  to  work  out-of-doors? 
If  I  meant  to  write  His  messages  this  mornmg, 
shall  I  grumble  because  He  sends  interruptmg 
visitors,  rich  or  poor,  to  whom  I  am  to  speak 
them,  or  "  show  kindness  "  for  His  sake,  or  at 
least  obey  His  command,  "  Be  courteous  "  ?     If 
all  my  members  are  really  at  His  disposal,  why 
should  I  be  put  out  if  to-day's  appointment  is 
some  simple  work  for  my  hands  or  errands  for 
my  feet,  mstead  of  some  seemingly  more  impor- 
tant doing  of  head  or  tongue  ? 

F.  R.  Havergau 


January  15. 


f5 


For  this  is  the  will  of  God^  even  your  sancti- 
fication,  —  i  Thess.  iv.  3. 


Between  us  and  Thyself  remove 

Whatever  hindrances  may  be, 
That  so  our  inmost  heart  may  prove 

A  holy  temple,  meet  for  Thee. 

Latin  Mss.  of  15TH  Century. 


TD  EAR,  in  the  presence  of  God,  to  know  thyself. 
Then  seek  to  know  for  what  God  sent  thee 
into  the  world  ;  how  thou  hast  fulfilled  it ;  art 
thou  yet  what  God  willed  thee  to  be  ;  what  yet 
lacketh  unto  thee  ;  what  is  God's  will  for  thee 
now;  what  thing  thou  mayest  no7v  do,  by  His 
grace,  to  obtain  His  favor,  and  approve  thyself 
unto  Him.  Say  to  Him,  'H^ach  me  to  do  Thy 
will,  for  Thou  art  my  God,"  and  He  will  say  unto 
thy  soul,  "  Fear  not ;  I  am  thy  salvation.'*  He 
will  speak  peace  unto  thy  soul ;  He  will  set  thee 
in  the  way ;  He  will  bear  thee  above  things  of 
sense,  and  praise  of  man,  and  things  which  per- 
ish in  thy  grasp,  and  give  thee,  if  but  afar  off, 
some  glimpse  of  His  own,  unfading,  unsetting, 
unperishing  brightness  and  bliss  and  love. 

E.    B.   PUSEY. 


i6 


January  16. 


Now  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  himself,  and  God, 
even  our  Father,  which  hath  loved  us,  and  hath 
given  us  everlasting  consolation  and  good  hope 
through  grace,  comfort  your  hearts,  and  stablish 
you  in  every  good  word  and  work.  —  2  Thess. 
ii.  i6,  17. 

When  sorrow  all  our  heart  would  ask, 
We  need  not  shun  our  daily  task, 

And  hide  ourselves  for  calm  ; 
The  herbs  we  seek  to  heal  our  woe 
Familiar  by  our  pathway  grow, 

Our  common  air  is  balm. 

J.  Keble. 


OH,  when  we  turn  away  from  some  duty  or 
some  fellow-creature,  saying  that  our  hearts 
are  too  sick  and  sore  with  some  great  yearning 
of  our  own,  we  may  often  sever  the  line  on  which 
a  divine  message  was  coming  to  us.  We  shut  out 
the  man,  and  we  shut  out  the  angel  who  had  sent 
him  on  to  open  the  door.  .  .  .  There  is  a  plan 
working  in  our  lives ;  and  if  we  keep  our  hearts 
quiet  and  our  eyes  open,  it  all  works  together ; 
and,  if  we  don't,  it  all  fights  together,  and  goes 
on  fighting  till  it  comes  right,  somehow,  some- 
where. 

Annie  Keary. 


January  17. 


17 


Beloved,  think  it  not  strange  concerning  the  fiery 
trial  which  is  to  try  you,  as  though  some  strange 
thing  happened  unto  you  :  but  rejoice,  ijiasmuch 
as  ye  are  partakers  of  Christ's  sufferings.  — 
I  Peter  iv.  12,  13. 

We  take  with  solemn  thankfulness 
Our  burden  up,  nor  ask  it  less, 
And  count  it  joy  that  even  we 
May  suffer,  serve,  or  wait  for  Thee, 
Whose  will  be  done  I 

J.  G.  Whittier. 


"D  ECEIVE  every  inward  and  outward  trouble, 
every  disappointment,  pain,  uneasiness, 
temptation,  darkness,  and  desolation,  with  both 
thy  hands,  as  a  true  opportunity  and  blessed  oc- 
casion of  dying  to  self,  and  entering  into  a  fuller 
fellowship  with  thy  self-denying,  suffering  Saviour. 
Look  at  no  inward  or  outward  trouble  in  any 
other  view  ;  reject  every  other  thought  about  it ; 
and  then  every  kind  of  trial  and  distress  will 
become  the  blessed  day  of  thy  prosperity.  That 
state  is  best,  which  exerciseth  the  highest  faith  in, 
and  fullest  resignation  to  God. 

Wm.  Law 


i8 


January  18. 


Thou  Shalt  rejoice  in  every  good  thing  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  hath  given  unto  thee,  —  Deut.  xxvi. 

Rejoice  evermore.     In  everything  give  thanks.  — 
Thess.  v.  1 6,  1 8. 

Grave  on  thy  heart  each  past  "red-letter  day  "I 
Forcet  not  all  the  sunshine  of  the  way 
Bv  vvhich  the  Lord  hath  led  thee ;  answered  prayers, 
And  joys  unasked,  strange  blessings,  lifted  cares. 
Grand  promise-echoes  1     Thus  thy  life  shall  be 
One  record  of  His  love  and  faithfulness  to  thee. 

F.  R.  Havergal. 

GRATITUDE  consists  in  a  watchful,  minute 
attention  to  the  particulars  of  our  state,  and 
to  the  multitude  of  God's  gifts,  taken  one  by 
one      It  fills  us  with  a  consciousness  that  God 
loves  and  cares  for  us,  even  to  the  least  event  and 
smallest  need  of  life.    It  is  a  blessed  thought  that 
from  our  childhood  God  has  been  lay mg  His  fa- 
thedy  hands  upon  us,  and  always  m  benediction  ; 
that  even  the  strokes  of  His  hands  are  blessings, 
and  among  the  chiefest  we  have  ever  received. 
When  this  feeling  is  awakened,  the  heart  beats 
with  a  pulse  of  thankfulness.     Every  gift  has  its 
return  of  praise.     It  awakens  an  unceasing  daily 
converse  with  our  Father,  —  He  speaking  to  us 
by  the  descent  of  blessings,  we  to  Him  by  the 
ascent  of  thanksgiving.     And  all  our  whole  lite 
is  thereby  drawn  under  the  light  of  His  counte- 
nance, and  is  filled  with  a  gladness,  serenity,  and 
peace  which  only  thankful  hearts  can  know. 

H.  E.  Manning. 


January  19. 


19 


Let  the  heart  of  them  rejoice  that  seek  the  Lord.  — 
Ps.  cv.  3. 

The  joy  of  the  Lord  is  your  strength.  —  Neh. 
viii.  10. 


Be  Thou  my  Sun,  my  selfishness  destroy, 

Thy  atmosphere  of  Love  be  all  my  joy ; 

Thy  Presence  be  my  sunshine  ever  bright. 

My  soul  the  little  mote  that  lives  but  in  Thy  light 

Gerhard  Tersteegei^ 


T  DO  not  know  when  I  have  had  happier  times 
in  my  soul,  than  when  I  have  been  sitting  at 
work,  with  nothing  before  me  but  a  candle  and  a 
white  cloth,  and  hearing  no  sound  but  that  of  my 
own  breath,  with  God  in  my  soul  and  heaven  in  my 
eye.  ...  I  rejoice  in  being  exactly  what  I  am,  — 
a  creature  capable  of  loving  God,  and  who,  as 
long  as  God  lives,  must  be  happy.  I  get  up  and 
look  for  a  while  out  of  the  window,  and  gaze  at 
the  moon  and  stars,  the  work  of  an  Almighty 
hand.  I  think  of  the  grandeur  of  the  universe, 
and  then  sit  down,  and  think  myself  one  of  the 
happiest  beings  in  it. 

A  Poor  Methodist  Woman,  i8th  Century/ 


20 


January  20. 


January  21. 


21 


The  Lard  taketh  pleasure  in  His  people :  He  will 
beautify  the  meek  with  salvation,  —  Ps.  cxlix.  4- 

Send  down  Thy  likeness  from  above. 

And  let  this  my  adorning  be : 
Clothe  me  with  wisdom,  patience,  love, 

With  lowliness  and  purity. 

Joachim  Lange. 


I 


T  is  not  in  words  explicable,  witb  what  divme 
lines  and  ligbts  the  exercise  of  godliness  and 
charity  wiU  mould  and  gild  the  hardest  and  cold- 
est  countenance,  neither  to  what  darkness  their 
departure  will  consign  the  loveliest.     For  there 
is  not  any  virtue  the  exercise  of  which,  even  mo- 
mentarily, will  not  impress  a  new  fairness  upon 
the  features;  neither  on  them  only,  but  on  the 
whole  body  the  moral  and  intellectual  faculties 
have  operation,  for  all  the  movements  and  gest- 
ures, however  shght,  are  different  in  their  modes 
according  to  the  mind  that  governs  them --and 
on  the  gentleness  and  decision  of  right  feeling 
follows  grace  of  actions,  and,  through  continu- 
ance of  this,  grace  of  form.  ^  ^^^^^^ 

There  is  no  beautifier  of  complexion,  or  form, 
or  behavior,  like  the  wish  to  scatter  joy  and  not 

pain  around  us. 

^  R.  W.  Emerson. 


Even  the  youths  shall  faint  and  be  weary ^  and 
the  young  7nen  shall  utterly  fall ;  but  they  that  wait 
upon  the  Lord  shall  renew  their  strength  J  they  shall 
mount  up  with  wings  as  eagles;  they  shall  run, 
and  not  be  weary;  and  they  shall  walk  and  not 
faint.  —  Is  A.  xl.  30,  31. 

Lord,  with  what  courage  and  delight 

I  do  each  thing, 
When  Thy  least  breath  sustains  my  wing  ! 

I  shine  and  move 

Like  those  above. 

And,  with  much  gladness 

Quitting  sadness, 
Make  me  fair  days  of  every  night. 

H.  Vaughan. 

"VTAN,  by  living  wholly  in  submission  to  the 
Divine  Influence,  becomes  surrounded 
with,  and  creates  for  himself,  internal  pleasures 
infinitely  greater  than  any  he  can  otherwise  attain 
to  —  a  state  of  heavenly  Beatitude. 

J.  P.  Greaves. 

By  persisting  in  a  habit  of  self-denial,  we  shall, 
beyond  what  I  can  express,  increase  the  inward 
powers  of  the  mind,  and  shall  produce  that  cheer- 
fulness  and  greatness  of  spirit  as  will  fit  us  for  all 
good  purposes ;  and  shall  not  have  lost  pleasure, 
but  changed  it ;  the  soul  being  then  filled  with 
its  own  intrinsic  pleasures. 

Henry  More. 


d 


I 


January  22. 


January  23. 


23 


1 


nen  shall  «,.  kno-u,,  if  ^e  follow  on  to  knov> 
the  Lord.  —  HOSEA  vi.  3- 

AKn  as  the  path  of  duty  is  made  plain, 
MfyTr'aS  be  given  that  I  may  walk  there.n. 

Nof  like  the  hireling,  for  his  selfish  gam 
With  backward  glances  and  reluctant  tread, 

-KS'ttrhratotd'Urown. 
W a  king  as  one  to  pleasant  service  led; 

YetiruMufa  ^    Whittier. 

T  is  bv  doing  our  duty  that  we  learn  to  do  it. 
^  1 1  Jng  as  Ln  dispute  whether  or  no  a  thmg 
,s  their  duty,  they  get  never  the  nearen  Ut 
them  set  ever  so  weakly  about  doing  it,  and  the 
them  set  eve  ,  .^  themselves 

Se^nglth  Chi;  •  knew'not  of.  Difficulties 
■ch  it  seemed  to  ihem  they  could  not  ge  over, 
d  sanpear  For  He  accompanies  it  with  the  m- 
fl  enceTof  His  blessed  Spirit,  and  each  per  orm- 
ance  opens  our  minds  for  larger  •"«""«  "^"^ 
grace,  and  places  them  in  communion  with  Hun. 

°  E.  B.   PUSEY. 

That  which  is  called  considering  what  is  our 
dul  tn  fparticular  case,  is  very  often  nothing 
but  endeavoring  to  explain  it  away.^^^  ^^^^^ 


If  thou  draw  out  thy  soul  to  the  hungry^  and 
satisfy  the  afflicted  soul ;  then  shall  thy  light  rise  in 
obscurity^  and  thy  darkness  be  as  the  noonday ;  and 
the  Lord  shall  guide  thee  continually.  —  IsA.  Iviii. 

lO,   II. 


If  thou  hast  Yesterday  thy  duty  done, 

And  thereby  cleared  firm  footing  for  To-day, 

Whatever  clouds  make  dark  To-morrow's  sun. 
Thou  shalt  not  miss  thy  solitary  way. 

J.  W.  VON  Goethe. 


r\  LORD,  who  art  our  Guide  even  unto  death, 
^^^  grant  us,  I  pray  Thee,  grace  to  follow  Thee 
whithersoever  Thou  goest.  In  little  daily  duties 
to  which  Thou  callest  us,  bow  down  our  wills  to 
simple  obedience,  patience  under  pain  or  prov- 
ocation, strict  truthfulness  of  word  and  manner, 
humility,  kindness ;  in  great  acts  of  duty  or  per- 
fection, if  Thou  shouldest  call  us  to  them,  uplift 
us  to  self-sacrifice,  heroic  courage,  laying  down 
of  life  for  Thy  truth's  sake,  or  for  a  brother. 
Amen. 

C.  G.   ROSSETTL 


24 


January  24. 


January  25. 


25 


/  will  bless  the  Lord,  who  hath  given  me  counsel. 
—  Ps.  xvi.  7- 

Not  slothful  in  business;  fervent  in  spirit;  serv- 
ing the  Lord.  —  Rom.  xii.  1 1. 

Mine  be  the  reverent,  listening  love 

That  waits  all  day  on  Thee, 
With  the  service  of  a  watchful  heart 

Which  no  one  else  can  see. 

A.  L.  Waring. 

TOOTHING  is  small  or  great  in  God's  sight ; 
-^^  whatever  He  wills  becomes  great  to  us, 
however  seemingly  trifling,  and  if  once  the  voice 
of  conscience  tells  us  that  He  requires  anything 
of  us,  we  have  no  right  to  measure  its  importance. 
On  the  other  hand,  whatever  He  would  not  have 
us  do,  however  important  we  may  think  it,  is  as 
nought  to  us.  How  do  you  know  what  you  may 
lose  by  neglecting  this  duty,  which  you  think  so 
trifling,  or  the  blessing  which  its  faithful  perform- 
ance may  bring?  Be  sure  that  if  you  do  your 
very  best  in  that  which  is  laid  upon  you  daily, 
you  will  not  be  left  without  sufficient  help  when 
some  weightier  occasion  arises.  Give  yourself  to 
Him,  trust  Him,  fix  your  eye  upon  Him,  listen 
to  His  voice,  and  then  go  on  bravely  and  cheer- 
fully. 

Jean  Nicolas  Grou. 


If  ye  know  these  things,  happy  are  ye  if  ye  do 
them.  —  John  xiii.  17. 

Therefore  to  him  that  knoweth  to  do  good,  and 
doeih  it  not,  to  him  it  is  sin. — ^James  iv.  17. 

We  cannot  kindle  when  we  will 
The  fire  that  in  the  heart  resides. 

The  spirit  bloweth  and  is  still, 
In  mystery  our  soul  abides  : 

But  tasks  in  hours  of  insight  willed 

Can  be  through  hours  of  gloom  fulfilled. 

Matthew  Arnold. 

jUURT  not  your  conscience  with  any  known 
sin. 

S.  Rutherford. 

Deep-rooted  customs,  though  wrong,  are  not 
easily  altered ;  but  it  is  the  duty  of  all  to  be  firm 
in  that  which  they  certainly  know  is  right  for 
them. 

John  Woolman. 

He  often  acts  unjustly  who  does  not  do  a 
certain  thing;  not  only  he  who  does  a  certain 
thing. 

Marcus  Antoninus. 

Every  duty  we  omit  obscures  some  truth  we 
should  have  known. 

John  Ruskin. 


26 


January  26. 


January  27. 


^1 


O  the  depth  of  the  riches  both  of  the  wisdom  and 
knowledoe  of  God  !  how  unsearchable  are  Hisfudg- 
ments,  and  His  ways  past  finding  out /  — Rom. 

xi.  33- 

//  dot/i  not  yet  appear  what  we  shall  be.  —  i  John 

iii.  2. 

No  star  is  ever  lost  we  once  have  seen, 

We  always  may  be  what  we  might  have  been. 

Since  Good,  though  only  thought,  has  life  andbrealh, 

God's  life  —  can  always 'be  redeemed  from  death  ; 

And  evil,  in  its  nature,  is  decay, 

And  any  hour  can  blot  it  all  away ; 

The  hopes  that  lost  in  some  far  distance  seem. 

May  be  the  truer  life,  and  this  the  dream. 

A.  A.  Procter. 

ST.  BERNARD  has  said  :  "Man,  if  thou  desir- 
est  a  noble  and  holy  life,  and  unceasingly 
prayest  to  God  for  it,  if  thou  continue  constant 
in  this  thy  desire,  it  will  be  granted  unto  thee 
without  fail,  even  if  only  in  the  day  or  hour  of 
thy  death ;  and  if  God  should  not  give  it  to  thee 
then,  thou  shalt  find  it  in  Him  in  eternity  :  of 
this  be  assured."  Therefore  do  not  relincjuish 
your  desire,  though  it  be  not  fulfilled  immediately, 
or  though  ye  may  swerve  from  }'Our  aspirations, 
or  even  forget  tliem  for  a  time.  .  .  .  The  love 
and  aspiration  which  once  really  existed  live  for- 
ever before  God,  arid  in  Him  ye  shall  find  the 
fruit  thereof;  that  is,  to  all  eternity  it  shall  be 
better  for  you  than  if  you  had  never  felt  them. 

J.  Tauler.    1 290-1361. 


For  thus  saith  the  high  and  lofty  One  that  inhab- 
zteth  eternity.,  whose  name  is  Holy ;  I  dwell  in  the 
high  and  holy  place^  with  him  also  that  is  of  a  con- 
trite and  humble  spirit,  to  revive  the  spirit  of  the 
humble^  and  to  revive  the  heart  of  the  contrite  ones, 
—  ISA.  Ivii.  15. 


Without  an  end  or  bound 
Thy  life  lies  all  outspread  in  light ; 

Our  lives  feel  Thy  life  all  around. 
Making  our  weakness  strong,  our  darkness  bright ; 
Yet  is  it  neither  wilderness  nor  sea, 
But  the  calm  gladness  of  a  full  eternity. 

F.  W.  Faber. 

r\  TRUTH  who  art  Eternity  !  And  Love  who 
^^^  art  Truth  !  And  Eternity  who  art  Love  ! 
Thou  art  my  God,  to  Thee  do  I  sigh  night  and 
day.  When  I  first  knew  Thee,  Thou  liftedst  me 
up,  that  I  might  see  there  was  somewhat  for  me 
to  see,  and  that  I  was  not  yet  such  as  to  see. 
And  Thou  streaming  forth  Thy  beams  of  light 
upon  me  most  strongly,  didst  beat  back  the  weak- 
ness of  my  sight,  and  I  trembled  with  love  and 
awe :  and  I  perceived  myself  to  be  far  off  from 
Thee  in  the  region  of  unlikeness. 

St.  Augustine. 


28 


January  28. 


January  29. 


29 


O  fear  the  Lord,  ye  His  saints :  for  there  is  no 
want  to  them  that  fear  Him,  —  Ps.  xxxiv.  9. 

Thou  openest  Thine  hand,  and  satisfiest  the  desire 
of  every  living  thing.  —  Ps.  cxlv.  16. 

What  Thou  shall  to-day  provide. 

Let  me  as  a  child  receive ; 
What  to-morrow  may  betide, 

Calmly  to  Thy  wisdom  leave. 
*T  is  enough  that  Thou  wilt  care  ; 
Why  should  I  the  burden  bear  ? 

J.  Newton. 

TIT  AVE  we  found  that  anxiety  about  possible 
consequences  increased  the  clearness  of 
our  judgment,  made  us  wiser  and  braver  in  meet- 
ing the  present,  and  arming  ourselves  for  the 
future?  ...  If  we  had  prayed  for  this  day's 
bread,  and  left  the  next  to  itself,  if  we  had  not 
huddled  our  days  together,  not  allotting  to  each 
its  appointed  task,  but  ever  deferring  that  to  the 
future,  and  drawing  upon  the  future  for  its  own 
troubles,  which  must  be  met  when  they  come 
whether  we  have  anticipated  them  or  not,  we 
should  have  found  a  simplicity  and  honesty  in 
our  lives,  a  capacity  for  work,  an  enjoyment  in 
it,  to  which  we  are  now,  for  the  most  part, 
strangers. 

F.  T).  Maurice 


/  the  Lord  will  hold  thy  right  hand,  saying  unto 
thee,  Fear  not;  I  will  help  thee.  —  Is  A.  xli.  13. 

Show  Thy  marvellous  loving-kindness,  O  Thou 
that  savest  by  Thy  right  hand  them  which  put  their 
trust  in  Thee.  —  Ps.  xvii.  7. 

I  TAKE  Thy  hand,  and  fears  grow  still ; 

Behold  Thy  face,  and  doubts  remove ; 
Who  would  not  yield  his  wavering  will 

To  perfect  Truth  and  boundless  Love  ? 

S.  Johnson, 

"P^O  not  look  forward  to  the  changes  and 
chances  of  this  life  in  fear;  rather  look 
to  them  with  full  hope  that,  as  they  arise,  God, 
whose  you  are,  will  deliver  you  out  of  them. 
He  has  kept  you  hitherto,  —  do  you  but  hold  fast 
to  His  dear  hand,  and  He  will  lead  you  safely 
through  all  things  ;  and,  when  you  cannot  stand, 
He  will  bear  you  in  His  arms.  Do  not  look 
forward  to  what  may  happen  to-morrow ;  the 
same  everlasting  Father  who  cares  for  you  to- 
day, will  take  care  of  you  to-morrow,  and  every 
day.  Either  He  will  shield  you  from  suffering, 
or  He  will  give  you  unfailing  strength  to  bear  it. 
Be  at  peace   then,  and   put  aside   all   anxious 

thoughts  and  imaginati  Dns. 

Francis  de  Sales. 


1 

in 


30 


January  30. 


January  31. 


31 


If  I  take  iJie  wings  of  the  morning,  and  dwell  in 
the  uttermost  parts  of  the  sea;  even  there  shall  Thy 
hand  lead  me,  and  Thy  right  hand  shall  hold  me.  — 
Ps.  cxxxix.  9,  10. 

I  CANNOT  lose  Thee !    Still  in  Thee  abiding, 
The  end  is  clear,  how  wide  soe'er  I  roam ; 

The  Hand  that  holds  the  worlds  my  steps  is  guiding, 
And  I  must  rest  at  last  in  Thee,  my  home. 

E.    SCUDDER. 

TJOW  can  we  come  to  perceive  this  direct 
^  leading  of  God  ?  By  a  careful  looking  at 
home,  and  abiding  within  the  gates  of  thy  own 
soul.  Therefore,  let  a  man  be  at  home  in  his 
own  heart,  and  cease  from  his  restless  chase  of 
and  search  after  outward  things.  If  he  is  thus 
at  home  while  on  earth,  he  will  surely  come  to 
see  what  there  is  to  do  at  home,  —  what  God 
commands  him  inwardly  without  means,  and  also 
outwardly  by  the  help  of  means ;  and  then  let 
him  surrender  himself,  and  follow  God  along 
whatever  path  his  loving  Lord  thinks  fit  to  lead 
him  :  whether  it  be  to  contemplation  or  action, 
to  usefulness  or  enjoyment]  whether  in  sorrow 
or  in  joy,  let  him  follow  on.  And  if  God  do  not 
give  him  thus  to  feel  His  hand  in  all  things,  let 
him  still  simply  yield  himself  up,  and  go  with- 
out, for  God's  sake,  out  of  love,  and  still  press 

forward. 

J.  Tauler. 


///  all  thy  ways  acknowledge  Him,  and  He  shall 
direct  thy  paths.  — ¥kow.  iii.  6. 
He  leadeth  me.  —  Ps.  xxiii.  2. 

In  "  pastures  green  "  ?    Not  always  ;  sometimes  He 
Who  knovveth  best,  in  kindness  leadeth  me 
In  weary  ways,  where  heavy  shadows  be. 

So,  whether  on  the  hill-tops  high  and  fair 
I  dwell,  or  in  the  sunless  valleys,  where 
The  shadows  lie,  what  matter.?  He  is  there. 

Henry  H.  Barry 

'Y^HE  Shepherd  knows  what  pastures  are  best 
for  his  sheep,  and  they  must  not  question 
nor  doubt,  but  trustingly  follow  Him.     Perhaps 
He  sees  that  the  best  pastures  for  some  of  us  are 
to  be  found  in  the  midst  of  opposition  or  of 
earthly  trials.     If  He  leads  you  there,  you  may 
be  sure  they  are  green  for  you,  and  you  will  grow 
and  be  made  strong  by  feeding  there.     Perhaps 
He  sees  that  the  best  waters  for  you  to  walk  be- 
side will  be  raging  waves  of  trouble  and  sorrow. 
If  this  should  be  the  case.  He  will  make  them 
still  waters  for  you,  and  you  must  go  and  lie  down 
beside  them,  and  let  them  have  all  their  blessed 
influences  upon  you. 

H.  w.  s. 


I 


32 


February  1. 


February  2. 


33 


III 


Now  the  God  of  patience  and  consolation  grant 
you  to  be  Hkc-mindcd  one  totoard  another,  according 
to  Christ  Jesus.  —  Rom.  xv.  5. 

Let  patience  have  her  perfect  w^r^.-jAMES 
1.  4. 

Make  me  patient,  kind,  and  gentle, 

Day  l)y  day ; 
Teach  me  how  to  live  more  nearly 

As  I  pray. 

Sharfe's  Magazine. 


THE  exercise  of  patience  involves  a  continual 
practice  of  the  presence  of  God  ;  for  we 
may  be  come  upon  at  any  moment  for  an  almost 
heroic  display  of  good  temper,  and  it  is  a  short 
road  to  unselfishness,  for  nothing  is  left  to  self ; 
all  that  seems  to  belong  most  intimately  to  self, 
to  be  selfs  private  property,  such  as  time,  home, 
and  rest,  are  invaded  by  these  continual  trials  of 
patience.    The  family  is  full  of  such  opportu- 

F.  W.  Faber. 


A^ow  we  exhort  you,  brethren,  warn  them  that 
are  unruly,  comfort  the  feeble-minded,  support  the 
weaky  be  patient  toward  all  men,  —  i  Thess.  v.  14. 


The  little  worries  which  we  meet  each  day 
May  lie  as  stiimhling-blocks  across  our  way, 
Or  we  may  make  them  stepping-stones  to  be 
Of  grace.  O  Lord,  to  Thee. 

A.  E.  Hamilton. 


TyE  must  be  continually  sacrificing  our  own 
wills,  as  opportunity  serves,  to  the  will  of 
others  ;  bearing,  without  notice,  sights  and  sounds 
that  annoy  us;  setting  about  this  or  that  task, 
when  we  had  far  rather  be  doing  something  very 
different ;  persevering  in  it,  often,  when  we  are 
thorougiily  tired  of  it;  keeping  company  for 
duty's  sake,  when  it  would  be  a  great  joy  to  us 
to  be  by  ourselves ;  besides  all  the  trilling  unto- 
ward accidents  of  life ;  bodily  pain  and  weakness 
long  continued,  and  peri)lexing  us  often  when  it 
does  not  amount  to  illness  ;  losing  what  we  value, 
missing  what  we  desire  ;  disappointment  in  other 
persons,  wilfulness,  unkindness,  ingratitude,  folly, 
in  cases  where  we  least  expect  it. 

J.  Keble, 


34 


February  3. 


Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my  heart ;  try  me, 
and  know  mv  thoughts;  and  see  if  there  be  any 
'Wicked  way  in  mc,  and  lead  me  in  the  way  ever- 
lasting. —  Fs.  cxxxix.  23,  24. 

Save  us  from  the  evil  tongue, 

From  the  heart  that  thinketh  wrong, 

From  the  sins,  whate'er  they  be, 

That  divide  the  soul  from  Thee. 

Anon 

SUCH  as  are  thy  habitual  thoughts,  such  also 
will  be  the  character  of  thy  mind  ;  for  the 
soul  is  dyed  by  the  thoughts.  Dye  it  then  with 
a  continuous  series  of  such  thoughts  as  these ; 
for  instance,  that  where  a  man  can  live,  there  he 
can  also  live  well.  But  he  must  live  in  a  palace : 
well,  then,  he  can  also  live  well  in  a  palace. 

Marcus  Antoninus. 

Who  is  there  that  sets  himself  to  the  task  of 
iteadily  watching  his  thoughts  for  the  space  of 
one  hour,  with  the  view  of  preserving  his  mmd 
in  a  simple,  humble,  healthful  condition,  but  will 
speedily  discern  in  the  multiform,  self-reflecting, 
self-admiring  emotions,  which,  like  locusts,  are 
ready  to  **  eat  ui)  every  green  thing  in  his  land," 
a  state  as  much  opposed  to  simplicity  and  humility 

as  night  is  to  day  ? 

M.  A.  Kelty 


February  4. 


35 


//  any  man  offend  not  in  word,  the  same  is  a 
perfect  man,  and  able  also  to  bridle  the  whole  body, 
— James  iii.  2. 

Set  a  watch,  O  Lord,  before  my  mouth;  keep  the 
door  of  my  lips,  —  Ps.  cxli.  3. 


What  I  never  speak  one  evil  word. 

Or  rash,  or  idle,  or  unkind  I 
Oh,  how  shall  I,  most  gracious  Lord, 

This  mark  of  true  perfection  find  ? 

C.  Wesley, 

'^^HEN  we  remember  our  temptations  to  give 
quick   indulgence   to  disappointment  or 
irritation  or  unsympathizing  weariness,  ...  and 
how  hard  a  thing  it  is  from  day  to  day  to  meet 
our  fellow-men,  our  neighbors,  or  even  our  own 
households,  in  all  moods,  in  all  discordances  be- 
tween  the  worid  without  us  and  the  frames  within, 
HI  all  states  of  health,  of  solicitude,  of  preoccupa' 
tion,  and  show  no  signs  of  impatience,  ungentle- 
ness,  or  unobservant  self-absorption,  —  with  only 
kindly  feeling  finding  expression,  and  ungenial 
feehng  at  least   inwardly  imprisoned  ;  —  we  shall 
be  ready  to  acknowledge  that  the  man  who  has 
thus  attained   is  master  of  himself,  and  in  the 
graciousness  of  his  power  is  fashioned  upon  the 
style  of  a  Perfect  Man. 

J.  H.  Thom 


II 


I 


3f 


February  6. 


I 


la 


Blessed  are  they  thai  keep  judgment,  and  he  that 
daeth  righteousness  at  all  times.  —  Ps.  cvi.  3. 

Thou  shalt  be  stedfast,  and  shall  not  fear:  be- 
cause thou  shalt  forget  thy  misery,  and  remember 
Has  waters  that  pass  aivay.  —  jo^  xi.  15,  16. 

In  the  bitter  waves  of  woe, 

Beaten  and  tossed  about 
By  the  sullen  winds  that  blow 

From  the  desolate  shores  of  doubt, 
Where  the  anchors  that  faith  has  cast 

Are  dragging  in  the  gale, 
I  am  quietly  holding  fast 

To  the  things  that  cannot  fail. 

Washington  Gladden. 

TN  the  darkest  hour  through  which  a  human 
^     soul  can  pass,  whatever  else  is  doubtful,  this 
at  least  is  certain.     If  there  be  no  God  and  no 
future  state,  yet,  even  then,  it  is  better  to  be 
generous  than  selfish,  better  to  be  chaste  than 
licentious,  better  to  be  true  than  false,  better  to 
be  brave  than  to  be  a  coward.    Blessed  beyond  all 
earthly  blessedness  is  the  man  who,  in  the  tem- 
pestuous darkness  of  the  soul,  has  dared  to  hold 
fast  to  these  venerable  landmarks.    Thrice  blessed 
is  he,  who,  when  all  is  drear  and  cheerless  within 
and  without,  when  his  teachers  terrify  him,  and 
his  friends  shrink  from  him,  has  obstinately  clung 
10  moral   good.      Thrice   blessed,  because   his 
night  shall  pass  into  clear,  bright  day. 

F.   W-   ROBERTSONL 


February  6. 


37 


Whoso  putteth  his  trust  in  the  Lord  shall  be  safe. 
—  Prov.  xxix.  25. 

/  will  cry  unto  God  most  high;  unto  God,  that 
pcrformeth  all  things  for  me.  —  Ps.  Ivii.  2. 

Only  thy  restless  heart  keep  still, 
And  wait  in  cheerful  hope ;  content 

To  take  whate'er  His  gracious  will, 
His  all-discerning  love  hath  sent; 

Nor  doubt  our  inmost  wants  are  known 
To  Him  who  chose  us  for  His  own. 

G.  Neumarck. 

r^OD  has  brought  us  into  this  time ;  He,  and 
not  ourselves  or  some  dark  demon.  If 
we  are  not  fit  to  cope  with  that  which  He  has 
prepared  for  us,  we  should  have  been  utterly  unfit 
for  any  condition  that  we  imagine  for  ourselves. 
In  this  time  we  are  to  live  and  wrestle,  and  in  no 
other.  Let  us  humbly,  tremblingly,  manfiilly  look 
at  it,  and  we  shall  not  wish  that  the  sun  could  go 
back  its  ten  degrees,  or  that  we  could  go  back 
with  it.  If  easy  times  are  departed,  it  is  that  the 
difficult  times  may  make  us  more  in  earnest ;  that 
they  may  teach  us  not  to  depend  upon  ourselves. 
If  easy  belief  is  impossible,  it  is  that  we  may 
learn  what  belief  is,  and  in  whom  it  is  to  be 
placed. 

F.  D.  Mauricb 


38 


February  7. 


Obey  my  voice,  ami  J  wiil  be  your  God,  and  ye 
shall  be  my  people  :  and  walk  ye  in  all  the  ways 
that  I  have  commanded  you,  that  it  may  be  well 
unto  you.  — Jer.  vii.  23. 

And  oft,  when  in  my  heart  was  heard 
Thy  timely  mandate,  I  deferred 
The  task,  in  smoother  walks  to  stray; 
But  thee  I  now  would  serve  more  strictly,  if  I  may. 

W.  Wordsworth. 

TDR/VY  Him  to  give  you  what  Scripture  calls 
"*■  "  an  honest  and  good  heart,"  or  "  a  perfect 
heart ; "  and,  without  waiting,  begin  at  once  to 
obey  Him  with  the  best  heart  you  have.  Any 
obedience  is  better  than  none.  You  have  to  seek 
His  face  ;  obedience  is  the  only  way  of  seeing 
Him.  All  your  duties  are  obediences.  To  do 
what  He  bids  is  to  obey  Him,  and  to  obey  Him 
is  to  approach  Him.  Every  act  of  obedience  is 
an  approach  —  an  approach  to  Him  who  is  not 
far  off,  though  He  seems  so,  but  close  behind  this 
visible  screen  of  things  which  hides  Him  from  us. 

J.  n.  Newman. 

As  soon  as  we  lay  ourselves  entirely  at  His  feet, 

we  have  enough  light  given  us  to  guide  our  own 

steps  ;  as  the  foot-soldier,  who  hears  nothing  of  the 

councils  that  determine  the  course  of  the  great 

battle  he  is  in,  hears  plainly  enough  the  word  of 

command  which  he  must  himself  obey. 

George  Eliot. 


February  8. 


39 


He  leadeth  ?ne  beside  the  still  waters.  He  restore 
tth  my  soul ;  He  leadeth  me  in  the  paths  of  rij^ht- 
eousnessfor  His  name's  sake,  —  Ps.  xxiii.  2,  3.' 


He  leads  me  where  the  waters  glide. 

The  waters  soft  and  still, 
And  homeward  He  will  gently  guide 

My  wandering  heart  and  will. 


J.  Keblb 


QUT  of  obedience  and  devotion  arises  an 
habitual  faith,  whicli  makes  Him,  though 
unseen,  a  part  of  all  our  life.  He  will  guide 
us  in  a  sure  path,  though  it  be  a  rough  one : 
tiiough  shadows  hang  upon  it,  yet  He  will  be 
with  us.  He  will  bring  us  home  at  last.  Through 
much  trial  it  may  be,  and  weariness,  in  much 
fear  and  fainting  of  heart,  in  much  sadness  and 
loneliness,  in  griefs  that  the  worid  never  knows, 
and  under  burdens  that  the  nearest  never  suspect. 
Yet  He  will  suffice  for  all.  By  His  eye  or  by 
His  voice  He  will  guide  us,  if  we  be  docile  and 
gentle ;  by  His  staff  and  by  His  rod,  if  we  wan- 
der or  are  wilful  :  any  how,  and  by  all  means,  He 
will  bring  us  to  His  rest. 

H.  E.  Manning 


40 


February  9. 


/  was  afraid^  and  went  and  hid  ihy  talent  in  the 
earth  :  lo,  there  thou  hast  that  is  thint.  —  Matt. 
XXV.  25. 

Time  was,  I  shrank  from  what  was  right. 

From  fear  of  what  was  wrong; 
I  would  not  brave  the  sacred  fight. 

Because  the  foe  was  otrong. 

But  now  I  cast  that  finer  sense 

And  sorer  shame  aside  ; 
Such  dread  of  sin  was  indolence, 

Such  aim  at  heaven  was  pride. 

J.  H.  Newman. 

TF  he  falls  into  some  error,  he  does  not  fret  over 
^  it,  but  rising  up  with  a  humble  spirit,  he  goes 
on  his  way  anew  rejoicing.  Were  he  to  fall  a 
hundred  times  in  the  day,  he  would  not  despair, 
—  he  would  rather  cry  out  lovingly  to  God,  ap- 
pealing to  His  tender  pity.  The  really  devout 
man  has  a  horror  of  evil,  but  he  has  a  still  greater 
love  of  that  which  is  good ;  he  is  more  set  on 
doing  what  is  right,  than  avoiding  what  is  wrong. 
Generous,  large-hearted,  he  is  not  afraid  of  dan- 
ger in  serving  God,  and  would  rather  run  the 
risk  of  doing  His  will  imperfectly  than  not  strive 
to  serve  Him  lest  he  fail  in  the  attempt. 

Jean  Nicolas  Grou 


February  10. 


41 


We  have  waited  for  Him^  and  He  will  save  us  : 
this  is  the  Lord;  we  have  waited  for  Him,  we  will 
be  glad  in  His  salvation.  —  Is  A.  xxv.  9. 


Blest  are  the  humble  souls  that  wait 
With  sweet  submission  to  His  will; 

Harmonious  all  their  passions  move, 
And  in  the  midst  of  storms  are  still. 

P.  Doddridge. 

"T^O  not  be  discouraged  at  your  faults;  bear 
with  yourself  in  correcting  them,  as  you 
would  with  your  neighbor.  Lay  aside  this  ardor 
of  mind,  which  exhausts  your  body,  and  leads 
you  to  commit  errors.  Accustom  yourself  grad- 
ually to  carry  prayer  into  all  your  daily  occupa- 
tions. Speak,  move,  work,  in  peace,  as  if  you 
were  in  prayer,  as  indeed  you  ought  to  be.  Do 
everything  without  excitement,  by  the  spirit  of 
grace.  As  soon  as  you  perceive  your  natural  im- 
petuosity gliding  in,  retire  quietly  within,  where  is 
the  kingdom  of  God.  Listen  to  the  leadings  of 
grace,  then  say  and  do  nothing  but  what  the  Holy 
Si)irit  shall  put  in  your  heart.  You  will  find  that 
you  will  become  more  trancjuil,  that  your  words 
will  be  fewer  and  more  effectual,  and  that,  with 
less  effort,  you  will  accomplish  more  good. 

FM:nelon- 


42 


February  11. 


February  12. 


43 


I  have  finished  the  work  which  Thou  gavest  me 
to  do,  — John  xvii.  4. 

She  hath  done  what  she  could. —  Mark  xiv.  8. 

He  who  God's  will  has  borne  and  done, 
And  his  own  restless  longings  stilled  ; 

What  else  he  does,  or  has  foregone, 
His  mission  he  has  well  fulfilled. 

From  the  German. 

r^HEERED  by  the  presence  of  God,  I  will  do 
^^  at  each  moment,  without  anxiety,  according 
to  the  strength  which  He  shall  give  me,  the  work 
that  His  Providence  assigns  me.  I  will  leave  the 
rest  without  concern  ;  it  is  not  my  affair.  I  ought 
to  consider  the  duty  to  which  I  am  called  each 
day,  as  the  work  that  God  has  given  me  to  do, 
and  to  apply  myself  to  it  in  a  manner  worthy  of 
His  glory,  that  is  to  say,  with  exactness  and  in 
peace.  I  must  neglect  nothing ;  I  must  be  vio- 
lent about  nothing. 

F^NELON. 

It  is  thy  duty  oftentimes   to   do  what   thou 

wouldst  not ;  thy  duty,  too,  to  leave  undone  what 

thou  wouldst  do. 

Thomas  a  Kemfis. 


Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  daily  loadeth  us  with 
benefits.  — V^.  Ixviii.  19. 

Nor  trust  in  uncertain  rich?s,  but  in  the  living 
God,  who  giveth  us  richly  all  things  to  enjoy,  — 
I  Tim.  vi.  17.  '  "^  "^ 


Source  of  my  life's  refreshing  springs, 
Whose  presence  in  my  heart  sustahis  me. 

Thy  love  ordains  me  pleasant  things, 
Thy  mercy  orders  all  that  pains  me. 

A.  L.  Waring 

^ND  to  be  true,  and  speak  my  soul,  when  I 
survey  the  occurrences  of  my  life,  and  call 
into  account  the  finger  of  God,  I  can  perceive 
nothing  but  an  abyss  and  mass  of  mercies,  either 
in  general  to  mankind,  or  in  particular  to  myself  • 
and  whether  out  of  the  prejudice  of  my  affection' 
or  an  mverting  and  partial  conceit  of  His  mercies' 
I  know  not ;  but  those  which  others  term  crosses,' 
afflictions,  judgments,  misfortunes,  to  me  who 
niquire  farther  into  them  than  their  visible  effects, 
ihey  both  appear,  and  in  event  have  ever  proved' 
the  secret  and  dissembled  favors  of  His  affection. ' 

Sir  T.  Browne. 


i\ 


44 


February  13. 


February  14. 


45 


The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done  -  ^^^s  xxi.  14. 
Let  Him  do  to  me  as  seemeth  good  unto  Him.  - 
I  Sam.  XV.  26. 

To  have,  each  dav,  the  thing  I  wish, 

Lord,  that  seems  best  to  me  ; 
But  not  to  have  the  thing  I  wish, 

Lord,  that  seems  best  to  Thee. 
Most  truly,  then,  Thy  will  IS  done, 

When  mine,  O  I^ord,  is  crossed; 
'T  is  good  to  see  my  plans  o  erthrown, 

My  ways  in  Thine  all  lost.  ^    ^^^.^^ 

r\  LORD,  Thou  knowest  what  is  b^^f  f^^  "^^^ 
W     let  this  or  that  be  done,  as  Thou  shalt 
nleise      Give  what  Thou  wilt,  and   how  much 
Sou  wilt,  and  when  Thou  wilt.     D-  -th  me 
as  Thou  thinkest  good.     Set  me  where     hou  w  It 
and  deal  with  me  in  all  thmgs  jus   as  1  lou  wi  t. 
Behokl,  I  am  Thy  servam,  prepared  for  a     hings^ 
for  I  desire  not  to  live   unto  myself,  but  unto 
?hee  ;  and  oh,  that  I  could  do  it  worthily  and 
perfectly  I  Tiiumas  a  Kempis. 

Dare  to  look  up  to  God,  ^^\f^^:^J^^.  ^I,^^ 
of  me  for  the  future  as  'Ihou  «>lt  I  am  of  the 
same  mind;  I  am  one  with  Ihee.  1  refuse 
nothing  which  seems  good  to  Thee  Lead  me 
"Either  Thou  wilt,  <:lothe  me  i"  ^vhatev^r  d  e.. 
Thou  wilt.  Is  it  Thy  will  that  I  ^  -"«  te  "  a 
Duhlic  or  a  private  condition,  dwell  here,  or  pe 
banished  l.e\>oor  or  rich?  Un.ler  al  these  cir- 
cumstances, I  will  testify  unto  Thee  before  men. 

Epictetus. 


/  would  have  you  without  carefulness.  —  i  CoR. 
vii.  32. 


O  Lord,  how  happy  should  we  be 
If  we  could  cast  our  care  on  Thee, 

If  we  from  self  could  rest  ; 
And  feel  at  heart  that  One  above, 
In  perfect  wisdom,  perfect  love. 

Is  working  for  the  best. 

J.  Anstick 

r^AST  all  thy  care  on  God.     See  that  all  thy 
cares  be  such  as  thou  canst  cast  on  God, 
and  then  hold  none  back.    Never  brood  over  thy- 
self;  never  stop  short  in  thyself;   but  cast  thy 
whole  self,  even  this  very  care  which  distresseth 
thee,  upon  God.      Be  not  anxious   about  little 
things,  if  thou  wouldst  learn  to  trust  God  with 
thine  all.     Act  upon  faith  in  little  things ;  com- 
mit thy  daily  cares  and  anxieties  to  Him ;  and 
He  will  strengthen  thy  faith  for  any  greater  trials. 
Ratlier,  give  thy  whole  self  into  God's  hands, 
a'ul  so  trust  Him  to  take  care  of  thee  in  all  lesser 
Things,  as  being  His,  for  His  own  sake,  whose 
thou  art. 

E.  B.  PusEv 


46 


February  15. 


If  ye  fulfil  the  royal  law  according  io  the  Scrij> 
iure.  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself  ye  dc 
*i;^//.— James  ii.  8. 

Come,  children,  let  us  go! 

We  travel  hand  in  hand ; 
Each  in  his  brother  finds  his  joy 

In  this  wild  stranger  land. 
The  strong  be  quick  to  raise 

The  weaker  when  they  fall ; 
Let  love  and  peace  and  patience  bloom 

In  ready  help  for  all. 

^       ^  G.  Tersteegen 

IT  is  a  sad  weakness  in  us,  after  all,  that  the 
thought  of  a  man's  death  hallows  him  anew 
to  us;  as  if  life  were  not  sacred  too,  — as  if  it 
were  comparatively  a  light  thing  to  fail  in  love 
and  reverence  to  the  brother  who  has  to  climh 
the  whole  toilsome  steep  with  us,  and  all  our 
tears  and  tenderness  were  due  to  the  one  who  is 

spared  that  hard  journey. 
^  Georc.e  Eliot. 

Would  we  codify  the  laws  that  should  reign  in 
households,  and  whose  daily  transgression  annoys 
and  mortifies  us,  and  degrades  our  household 
life,  — we  must  learn  to  adorn  every  day  with 
sacrifices.  Good  manners  are  made  up  of  petty 
sacrifices.  Temperance,  courage,  love,  are  made 
up  of  the  same  jewels,  listen  to  every  prompt- 
ing of  honor.  ^ 
o                                                   K.  W.  Emerson. 


February  16. 


47 


^e/-ve  Him  with  a  perfect   heart,  and  with  a 
willing  jfiind.  —  i  Chron.  xxviii.  9. 

And  if  some  things  I  do  not  ask. 

In  my  cup  of  biesoing  be, 
I  would  have  my  spirit  filled  the  more 

With  grateful  love  to  Thee, — 
More  careful,  —  not  to  serve  Thee  much. 

But  to  please  Thee  perfectly. 

A.  L.  WARiNa 


J^ITTLK  things  come  daily,  hourly,  within  our 
reach,  and  they  are  not  less  calculated  to 
set  forward  our  growth  in  holiness,  than  are  the 
greater  occasions  which  occur  but  rarely.     More- 
over, fidelity  in  trifles,  and  an  earnest  seeking  to 
please  God  in  little  matters,  is  a  test  of  real  devo- 
tion and  love.     Let  your  aim  l)e  to  i:)lease  our 
dear  Lord  perfectly  in  little  things,  and  to  attain 
a  spirit  of  childlike  simplicity  and  dependence, 
fn  i)roportion  as  self-love  and  self-confidence  are 
weakened,  and  our  will  bowed  to  that  of  God,  so 
will  hindrances  disappear,  the  internal  troubles 
a.:d  contests  which  harassed  the  soul  vanish,  and 
U  will  be  filled  with  peace  and  tranquillity. 

Jean  Nicolas  Grou 


48 


February  17. 


I 


February  18. 


My  brethren,  count  it  all  joy  when  ye  fall  into 
divers  temptations  W  "  /;'/./."]  ^;;'f''^'^'''^^ 
the  trying  of  your  faith  worketh  patience.  -James 

i.  2,  3- 

For  patience,  when  the  rough  whids  blowl 
For  patience,  when  our  hopes  arc  fachng,— 

When  visible  things  all  backward  go, 

And  nowhere  seems  the  power  of  aiding  \ 

God  still  enfolds  thee  with  His  viewless  hand, 

And  leads  thee  surely  to  the  Fatherland. 

N.  L.  Frothincham,  from  the  German 

WE  have  need  of  patience  with  ourselves  and 
vvith  others ;  with  those  helow,  and  those 
above  us,  and  with  our  own  equals ;  with  those 
w'ho  love  us  and  those  who  love  us  not ;  for  the 
greatest  things  and  for  the  least ;  against  sudden 
inroads  of  trouble,  and  under  our  daily  burdens  ; 
disappointments  as  to  the  weather,  or  the  break- 
inrr  of  the  heart ;  in  the  weariness  of  the  body, 
or^he  wearin-  of  the  soul ;  in  our  own  flnlure  of 
dutv,  or  others'  failure  toward  us  ;  in  every-day 
waius,  or  in  the  aching  of  sickness  or  the  decay 
of  age ;  in  disap])ointment,  l)ereavement,  losses, 
injuries,  reproaches  ;  in  heaviness  of  the  heart ; 
or  its  sickness  amid  delayed  hopes.     In  all  these 
things,  from  childhood's  Htde  troubles  to  the  mar- 
tyr's''suffenngs,  patience  is  the  grace    of  God, 
whereby  we  endure  evil  for  the  love  of  (iod. 

E.   B.   PUSEY- 


49 


//  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted,  that  I 
mii;ht  learn  Thy  statutes.  —  Ps.  cxix.  71. 

But  thou  oh  f/e  cause  grief  yet  will  He  have  com^ 
passion,  according  to  the  multitude  of  His  mercies. 
—  Lam.  iii.  32. 

And  yet  these  days  of  dreariness  are  sent  us  from  above  j 
;i  hey  do  not  come  in  anger,  but  in  faithfulness  and  love  ' 
1  hey  come  to  teach  us  lessons  which  bright  ones  could 
not  yield, 

And  to  leave  us  blest  and  thankful  when  their  purpose 
is  fulfilled.  ^ 

Anon. 

J-JEED  not  distressing  thoughts  when  they  rise 
ever  so  strongly  in  thee ;  nay,  though  they 
have  entered  thee,  fear  them  not,  but  be  still 
awhile,  not  believing  in  the  power  which  thou 
feelest  they  have  over  thee,  and  it  will  fall  on  a 
sudden.  It  is  good  for  thy  spirit,  and  greatly  to 
thy  advantage,  to  be  much  and  variously  exer- 
cised by  the  Lord.  Thou  dost  not  know  what 
the  Lord  hath  already  done,  and  what  He  is 
yet  doing   for   thee  therein. 

L  Penington. 

Why  should  I  start  at  the  plough  of  my  Lord, 
that  maketh  deep  furrows  on  my  soul?  I  know 
lie  IS  no  idle  husbandman,  He  purposeth  a  crop. 

S.  Rutherford. 


50 


February  19. 


February  20. 


S» 


My  meat  is  to  do  the  will  of  Him  that  sent  mt. 
and  to  finish  His  work.—]o^^  iv.  34- 

I  AM  glad  to  think 
I  am  not  bound  to  make  the  world  go  right ; 
15ut  only  to  discover  and  to  do, 
With  cheerful  heart,  the  work  that  God  appomts. 

I  will  trust  in  Him, 

That  He  can  hold  His  own  ;  and  I  will  take 

His  will,  above  the  work  He  sendeth  me, 

To  be  my  chiefest  good. 

J.  Ingelow. 

DON'T  object  that  your  duties  are  so  insig- 
nificant ;  they  are  to  be  reckoned  of  infinite 
significance,  and  alone  important  to  you.     Were 
it'but  the  more  i)erfect  regulation  of  your  apart- 
ments,   the    sorting-away   of    your   clothes   and 
trinkets,  the  arranging  of  your  papers,  —  "  What- 
soever thy  hand  findeth  to  do,  do  it  with  all  thy 
might,"  and  all  tliy  worth  and  constancy.     Much 
more,  if  your  duties  are  of  evidently  higher,  wider 
scope  *,  if  you  have  brothers,  sisters,  a  father,  a 
mother,  weigh  earnestly  what  claim  does  lie  upon 
you,  on  behalf  of  each,  and  consider  it  as  the 
one  thing  needful,  to  pay  them  more  and  more 
honestly  and  nobly  what  you  owe.     What  matter 
how  miserable  one  is,  if  one  can  do  that  ?    That  is 
the  sure  and  steady  disconnection  and  extinction 

of  whatsoever  miseries  one  has  in  this  world. 

T.  Carlylk 


Let  us  not  therefore  judge  one  another  any  more : 
hut  judge  this  rather,  that  no  inan  put  a  stumbling- 
block,  or  an  occasion  to  fall,  in  his  brother's  way, 

Rom.  xiv.  13. 

Them  that  were  entering  in,  ye  hindered.  —  Luke 
xi.  52. 

My  mind  was  ruffled  with  small  cares  to-day. 
And  I  said  pettish  words,  and  did  not  keep 
Long-suffering  patience  well,  and  now  how  deep 
My  trouble  for  this  sin  !  in  vain  I  weep 
For  foolish  words  I  never  can  unsay. 

n.  S.  Sutton. 

^  VEXATION  arises,  and  our  expressions 
of  impatience  hinder  others  from  taking 
it  patiently.  Disappointment,  ailment,  or  even 
weather  depresses  us ;  and  our  look  or  tone  of 
dei)ression  hinders  others  from  maintaining  a 
ciieerful  and  thankful  spirit.  We  say  an  unkind 
thing,  and  another  is  hindered  in  learning  the 
holy  lesson  of  charity  that  thinketh  no  evil.  We 
say  a  provoking  thing,  and  our  sister  or  brother 
is  hindered  in  that  day's  effort  to  be  meek.  How 
sadly,  too,  we  may  hinder  without  word  or  act ! 
For  wrong  feeling  is  more  infectious  than  wrong 
doing ;  especially  the  various  phases  of  ill  tem- 
per,—gloominess,  touchiness,  discontent,  irritabil- 
ity,—do  we  not  know  how  catching  these  are? 

F.  R.  Havergal 


!i 


52 


February  21. 


February  22. 


53 


If  ye  then,  beim;  evil,  know  how  to  give  good 
^ifis  nnto  your  children,  how  much  more  shall  your 
Father  which  is  in  heaven  give  good  gifts  to  them 
that  ask  Him.  —  Matt.  vii.  ii. 

For  His  great  love  has  compassed 

Our  nature,  and  our  need 
We  kuow  not ;  but  He  knoweth, 

And  He  will  bless  indeed. 
Therefore.  O  heavenly  Father, 

(live  what  is  best  to  me  ; 
And  take  the  wants  unanswered, 
As  offerings  made  to  Thee. 

Anon. 

WHATSOF.VKR  we  ask  which  is  not  for  our 
good,  He  will  keep  it  back  from  us.    And 
surely  in  this  there  is  no  less  of  love  than  in  the 
granting  what  we  desire  as  we  ought.     Will  not 
the  same  love  which  prompts  you  to  give  a  good, 
prompt  yov  to  keep  back  an  evil,  thing?    If,  in 
our  blindness,  not  knowing  what  to  ask,  we  pray 
for  things  which  would  turn  in  our  hands  to  sor- 
row and  death,  will  not  our  Father,  out  of  His 
very  love,  deny  us?   How  awful  would  be  our  lot, 
if  our  wishes  should  straightway  pass  into  reali- 
ties ;  if  we  were  endowed  with  a  power  to  bring 
about  all  that  we  desire  ;  if  the  inclinations  of  our 
will  were  followed   by   fulfilment   of  our  hasty 
wishes,  and  sudden  longings  were  always  granted. 
One  day  we  shall  l)less  Him,  not  more  for  what 
He  has  granted  than  for  what  He  has  denied. 

H.  E.  Manning 


Be  careful  for  nothing;  but  in  everythim^  by 
prayer  and  supplication  with  thanksgiving  let  your 
requests  be  made  known  unto  God.  —  Phil.  iv.  6. 

We  toll  Thee  of  our  care, 
Of  the  sore  burden,  pressing  day  by  day, 
And  in  the  light  and  pity  of  Thy  face, 

The  burden  melts  away. 

We  breathe  our  secret  wish, 
The  importunate  longing  which  no  man  may  see  j 
We  ask  it  humbly,  or,  more  restful  still, 

We  leave  it  all  to  Thee. 

Susan  Coolidge 

'JpHAT  prayer  which  does  not  succeed  in  mode- 
rating our  wish,  in  changing  the  passionate 
desire  into  still  submission,  the  anxious,  tumul- 
tuous expectation  into  silent  surrender,  is  no  true 
prayer,  and  proves  that  we  have  not  the  spirit  ol 
true  prayer.  That  life  is  most  holy  in  which  there 
is  least  of  petition  and  desire,  and  most  of  wait- 
ing  upon  God  ;  that  in  which  petition  most  often 
passes  into  thanksgiving.  Pray  till  prayer  makes 
you  forget  your  own  wish,  and  leave  it  or  merge  it 
in  God's  will.  The  Divine  wisdom  has  given  us 
prayer,  not  as  a  means  whereby  to  obtain  the 
good  things  of  earth,  but  as  a  means  whereby  we 
learn  to  do  without  them  j  not  as  a  means  where- 
by we  escape  evil,  but  as  a  means  whereby  we 
become  strong  to  meet  it. 

F.  W.  Robertson. 


54 


February  23. 


February  24. 


55 


Ut  the  Lord  do  that  which  is  good  in  His  sight 
—  I  Chron.  xix.  13. 

Let  Thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  he  upon  us,  according  as 
we  hope  in  Thee.  —  Ps.  xxxiii.  22. 


I  CANNOT  feel 
That  all  is  well,  when  darkening  clouds  conceal 

The  shining  sun : 

But  then,  1  know 
He  lives  and  loves  ;  and  say,  since  it  is  so. 

Thy  will  be  done. 

S.  G.  Browning. 


NO  felt  evil  or  defect  becomes  divine  until  it 
is  inevitable  ;  and  only  when  resistance  to 
it  is  exhausted  and  hope  has  fled,  does  surrender 
cease  to  be  premature.  The  hardness  of  our 
task  lies  here;  that  we  have  to  strive  against  the 
grievous  things  of  life,  while  hope  remains,  as  if 
they  were  evil ;  and  then,  when  the  stroke  has 
flillen,  to  accept  them  from  the  hand  of  (lod,  and 
doubt  not  they  are  good.  But  to  the  loving, 
trusting  heart  all  things  are  possible  ;  and  even 
this  instant  change,  from  overstrained  will  to  sor- 
rowful repose,  from  fullest  resistance  to  complete 

surrender,  is  realized  without  convulsion. 

Martineau. 


These  things  I  have  spoken  unto  you  that  in  me 
ye  might  have  peace.  In  the  world  ye  shall  have 
tribulation  :  but  be  of  good  cheer ;  I  have  overco?ne 
the  world.  —  John  xvi.  33. 


O  Tirou,  the  primal  fount  of  life  and  peace, 
Who  shedd'st  Thy  breathing  quiet  all  around, 

In  me  command  that  pain  and  conflict  cease. 
And  turn  to  music  every  jarring  sound. 

J.  Sterling. 


A  CCUSTOM  yourself  to  unreasonableness  and 

injustice.     Abide  in  peace  in  the  presence 

of  God,  who  sees  all  these  evils  more  clearly  than 

you  do,  and  who  permits  them.     Be  content  with 

doing  with  calmness  the  little  which  depends  upon 

yourself,  and  let  all  else  be  to  you  as  if  it  were 

not. 

F^NELON. 

It  is  rare  when  injustice,  or  slights  patiently 
borne,  do  not  leave  the  heart  at  the  close  of  the 
day  filled  with  marvellous  joy  and  peace. 

Gold  Dust 


fl 


56 


February  25. 


But  now  thus  saith  the  Lord  that  created  thee,  0 
Jacob,  and  He  that  formed  thee,  O  Israel,  Fear  not; 
for  I  have  redeemed  thee,  I  have  called  thee  by  thy 

•  T  1  *  *  * 

name ;  thou  art  mine.  —  ISA.  xlin.  I. 

Thou  art  as  much  His  care  as  if  beside 
Nor  man  nor  angel  lived  in  heaven  or  earth  ; 

Thus  sunbeams  pour  alike  their  glorious  tide, 
To  light  up  worlds,  or  wake  an  insect's  mirth. 

J.  Kkble. 

GOD  beholds  thee  individually,  whoever  thou 
art.     "  He  calls  thee  by  thy  name."     He 
sees  thee,   and   understands   thee.     He   knows 
what  is  in  thee,  all  thy  own  peculiar  feelings  and 
thoughts,  thy  dispositions  and  likings,  thy  strength 
and  thy  weakness.     He  views  thee  in  thy  day  of 
rejoicing  and  thy  day  of  sorrow.    He  sympathizes 
in  thy  hopes  and  in  thy  temptations ;  He  inter- 
ests himself  in  all  thy  anxieties  and  thy  remem- 
brances, in  all  the  risings  and  fallings  of  thy  spirit. 
He  compasses  thee  round,  and  l)ears  thee  in  His 
arms;   He  takes  thee  up   and  sets  thee   down. 
Thou  dost  not  love  thyself  better  than  He  loves 
thee.     Thou  canst  not  shrink  from   pain  more 
than  He  dislikes  thy  bearing  it ;  and  if  He  puts 
it  on  thee,  it  is  as  thou  wilt  put  it  on  thyself,  if 
thou  art  wise,  for  a  greater  good  afterwards. 

J.  H  Newman. 


February  26. 


57 


The  Lord  is  ni<^k  unto  all  them  that  call  upon 
Him,  to  all  that  call  upon  Him  in  truth,  —  Ps 
»:xiv.  18. 

/  soui^ht  the  Lord,  and  He  heard  me,  and  deliv- 
ered me  from  all  my  fears. —  Ps.  xxxiv.  4. 

Be  Thou,  O  Rock  of  Ages,  nigh! 

So  shall  each  murmuring  thought  be  gone  j 
And  grief  and  fear  and  care  shall  fly, 

As  clouds  before  the  mid-day  sun. 

C.  Wesley 

nPAKE  courage,  and  turn  your  troubles,  which 
are  without  remedy,  into  material  for  spir- 
itiial  progress.  Often  turn  to  our  Lord,  who  is 
watching  you,  poor  frail  little  bemg  as  you  are, 
ainid  your  labors  and  distractions.  He  sends  you 
Help,  and  blesses  your  affliction.  This  thought 
siiould  enable  you  to  bear  your  troubles  patiently 
and  gently,  for  love  of  Him  who  only  allows  you 
to  be  tried  for  your  own  good.  Raise  your  heart 
continually  to  God,  seek  His  aid,  and  let  the 
foundation  stone  of  your  consolation  be  your  hap- 
pniess  in  being  His.  All  vexations  and  annoy- 
ances  will  be  comparatively  unimportant  while 
you  know  that  you  have  such  a  Friend,  such  a 
Stay,  such  a  Refuge.  May  God  be  ever  in  your 
heart. 

Francis  de  Sales 


1'^ 


S8 


February  27. 


February  28. 


59 


,,  (I 


1 


Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good;  so  shalt  thou 
d7vcll  in  the  land,  and  verily  thou  shalt  be  fed.  — 
Ps.  xxxvii.  3. 

Build  a  little  fence  of  trust 

Around  to-day  ; 
Fill  the  space  with  loving  work, 

And  therein  stay  ; 
Look  not  through  the  sheltering  bars 

Upon  to-morrow, 
God  will  help  thee  bear  what  comes, 

Of  joy  or  sorrow. 

Mary  Frances  Butts. 

T   ET  us  bow  our  souls  and  say,  "  Behold  the 

^     handmaid  of  the  Lord  !  "    Let  us  lift  up  oui 

hearts  and  ask,   *'  Lord,  what  wouldst  thou  have 

me  to  do?  "    Then  light  from  the  opened  heaven 

shall  stream  on  our  daily  task,  revealing  the  grains 

of  gold,  where  yesterday  all  seemed  dust ;  a  hand 

shall  sustain  us  and  our  daily  burden,  so  that, 

smiling  at  yesterday's  fears,  we  shall  say,  "  This 

is  easy,  this  is  light;''  every  "lion  in  the  way," 

as  we  come  up  to  it,  shall  be  seen  ( hained,  and 

leave  open  the  gates  of  the   Palace  beautiful; 

and  to  us,  even  to  us,  feeble  and  fluctuating  as 

we  are,  ministries  shall  be  assigned,  and  through 

our  hands  blessings  shall  be  conveyed  in  which 

the   spirits  of    just   men   made   perfect    might 

delight. 

Elizabeth  Charles. 


Beloved^  let  us  hie  one  another :  for  love  is  of 
God;  and  every  one  that  loveth  is  born  of  God^ 
and  knoweth  God.  —  i  John  iv.  7, 


So  to  the  calmly  gathered  thought 
The  innermost  of  life  is  taught, 
The  mystery,  dimly  understood. 
That  love  of  God  is  love  of  good; 
That  to  be  saved  is  only  this,— - 
Salvation  from  our  selfishness. 

J.  G.  Whittier. 


T^HE  Spirit  of  Love,  wherever  it  is,  is  its  own 
blessing  and  happiness,  because  it  is  the 
truth  and  reality  of  God  in  the  soul ;  and  there- 
fore is  in  the  same  joy  of  life,  and  is  the  same 
good  to  itself  everywhere  and  on  every  occasion. 
Would  you  know  the  blessing  of  all  blessings? 
It  is  this  God  of  Love  dwelling  in  your  soul,  and 
killing  every  root  of  bitterness,  which  is  the  pain 
and  torment  of  every  earthly,  selfish  love.  For 
all  wants  are  satisfied,  all  disorders  of  nature  are 
removed,  no  life  is  any  longer  a  burden,  everyday 
IS  a  day  of  peace,  everything  you  meet  becomes 
a  help  to  you,  because  everything  you  see  or  do 
is  all  done  in  the  sweet,  gende  element  of  Love. 

Wm.  Law. 


6o 


February  29. 


March  1, 


6i 


Unto  you  that  fear  tny  name  shall  the  Sun  of 
Ri^hteoiisniss  arise  luith  hcalin^^  in  hts  wings. — 
AIal.  iv.  2. 

O  send  out  Thy  light  and  Thy  truth  j  let  them 
lead  vie.  —  Ps.  xliii.  3. 

Open  our  eyes,  thou  Sun  of  life  and  gladness, 

That  we  may  see  that  glorious  world  of  Thine  I 
It  shines  for  us  in  vain,  while  drooping  sadness 
Enfolds  us  here  like  mist;  come,  Power  benign. 
Touch  our  chilled  hearts  with  vernal  smile. 
Our  wintry  course  do  Thou  beguile. 
Nor  bv  the  wavsitle  ruins  let  us  mourn, 
Who  have  th* eternal  towers  for  our  appointed  bourn. 

J.  Keule. 

OECAUSK  all  those  scattered  rays  of  beauty 
and  loveliness  which  we  behold  spread  up 
and  down  o\er  all  tlie  world,  are  only  the  emana- 
tions of  that  inexhausted  light  which  is  above ; 
therefore  should  we  love  them  all  in  that,  and 
climb  up  always  l)y  those  sunbeams  unto  the  eter- 
nal Fatlier  of  lights :  we  should  look  ui)on  Him, 
and  take  from  Ilini  the  pattern  of  our  lives,  and 
always  eying  Him,  shoukl,  as  Hierocles  speaks, 
"polish  and  shape  our  souls  into  the  clearest 
resemblance  of  PTim  ;''  and  in  all  our  behavior  in 
this  world  (that  great  temple  of  His)  deport  our- 
selves decently  and  reverendy,  with  that  humility, 
meekness,  and  modesty  that  becomes  His  house. 

1)4.  John  Smith,  d,  1652. 


Take  no  thought  for  your  life^  what  ye  shall  ecU^ 
or  what  ye  shall  drink,  nor  yet  for  your  body^  what 
ye  shall  put  on.  —  Matt.  vi.  25. 


One  there  lives  whose  guardian  eye 
Guides  our  earthly  destiny  ; 
One  there  lives,  who,  Lord  of  all. 
Keeps  His  children  lest  they  fall ; 
Pass  we,  then,  in  love  and  praise. 
Trusting  Him  through  all  our  days, 
Free  from  doubt  and  faithless  sorrow,— 
God  provideth  for  the  morrow. 

R.  Heber. 


TT  has  been  well  said  that  no  man  ever  sank 
under  the  burden  of  the  day.  It  is  when  to- 
morrow's burden  is  added  to  the  burden  of  to-day 
that  the  weight  is  more  than  a  man  can  bear. 
Never  load  yourselves  so,  my  friends.  If  you 
find  yourselves  so  loaded,  at  least  remember 
this  :  it  is  your  own  doing,  not  God*s.  He  begs 
you  to  leave  the  future  to  Him,  and  mind  the 

present 

G.  MacDonald 


62 


March  2. 


Bui  to  do  good  and  to  comvijinicate  forget  not : 
for  with  such  sacrifices  God  ij  well  pleaded.  — 
Heb.  xiii.  i6. 

For  this  is  the  nitssage  that  ye  heard  from  ihs 
h^ginning,  that  we  should  love  one  another, — 
\  John  iii.  ii. 

Be  useful  where  thou  livest,  that  they  may 
Both  want  and  wish  thy  pleasing  presence  stilL 

.    .   Find  out  men's  w  ants  and  will. 
And  meet  them  there.     All  worldly  joys  go  less 
To  the  one  joy  of  doing  kindnesses. 

G.  Herbert. 

T  ET  the  weakest,  let  the  humblest  remember, 
that  in  his  daily  course  he  can,  if  he  will, 
shed  around  him  almost  a  heaven.  Kindly  words, 
sympathizing  attentions,  watchfulness  against 
wounding  men's  sensitiveness,  —  these  cost  very 
little,  but  they  are  priceless  in  their  value.  Are 
they  not  almost  the  staple  of  our  daily  happiness? 
From  hour  to  hour,  from  moment  to  moment,  we 
are  supported,  blest,  by  small  kindnesses. 

F.    W.    RulJERTSON. 

Smaix  kindnesses,  small  courtesies,  small  con- 
siderations, habitually  practised  in  our  social  in- 
tercourse, give  a  greater  charm  to  the  character 
than  the  display  of  great  talents  and  accomplish- 
ments. 

M.  A.  KELxy. 


March  3. 


63 


/  tnade  haste,  and  delayed  not  to  keep  Thy  com- 
mafidments,~Vs.  cxix.  Go. 

Ve  know  not  what  shall  be  on  the  morrow,  — 
James  iv.  14. 


Never  delay 
To  do  the  duty  which  the  hour  brings, 
Whether  it  be  in  great  or  smaller  things; 

For  who  doth  know 
What  he  shall  do  the  coming  day  ? 

Anon. 


JT  is  quite  impossible  that  an  idle,  floating  spirit 
can  ever  look  up  with  clear  eye  to  God; 
spreading  its  miserable  anarchy  before  the  sym' 
metry  of  the  creative  Mind ;  in  the  midst  of  a 
disorderly  being,  that  has  neither  centre  nor  cir- 
cumference, kneeling  beneath  the  glorious  sky. 
that  everywhere  has  both ;  and  for  a  life  that  is 
all  fliilure,  turning  to  the  Lord  of  the  silent  stars, 
of  whose  punctual  thought  it  is,  that  "not  one 
faileth."  The  heavens,  with  their  everlasting 
faithfulness,  look  down  on  no  sadder  contradic- 
tion, than  the  sluggard  and  the  slattern  in  theii 
prayers. 

J.  Martineau 


64 


March  4. 


But  the  soitis  of  the  rigJiteoiis  are  in  the  hand  of 
God^  and  there  shall  no  tonne )it  touch  them.  In 
the  sight  of  the  21  )i  wise  they  seemed  to  die :  and 
their  departure  is  taken  for  misery,  and  their  i^oing 
from  us  to  be  utter  destruction  :  hut  they  are  in  peace ^ 
—  Wisdom  of  Solomon  iii.  1-3. 

But  souls  that  of  His  own  good  life  partake, 
lie  loves  as  His  own  self;  dear  as  His  eye 
They  are  to  Him:  He  *li  never  them  forsake : 
When  they  shall   die,  then  God  Himself  shall  die; 
They  live,  they  live  in  blest  eternity. 

Henry  More. 

'X' HOUGH  every  good  man  is  not  so  logically 
subtile  as  to  be  able  by  fit  mediums  to 
demonstrate  his  own  immortality,  yet  he  sees  it  in 
a  higher  light :  his  soul,  being  purged  and  enlight- 
ened by  true  sanctity,  is  more  capable  of  those 
divine  irradiations,  whereby  it  feels  itself  in  con- 
junction with  God.  It  knows  that  God  will 
never  forsake  His  own  life  which  He  liath  quick- 
ened in  it ;  He  will  never  deny  those  ardent 
desires  of  a  blissful  fruition  of  Himself,  which  the 
lively  sense  of  His  own  goodness  hath  excited 
within  it :  those  breathings  and  gaspings  after  an 
eternal  participation  of  Him  are  l)ut  the  energy  of 
His  own  breath  within  us  ;  if  He  had  had  any 
mind  to  destroy  it,  He  would  never  have  shown 

it  such  things  as  He  hath  done. 

Dr.  John  Smith 


March  5. 


65 


And  every  man  that  hath  this  hope  in  hijn  puri- 
iieth  himself  even  as  He  is  pure.  —  i  John  iii.  3. 

Now,  Lord,  what  wait  I  for  ? 

On  Thee  alone 
My  hope  is  all  rested,— 

Lord,  seal  me  Thine  ownl 
Only  Thine  own  to  be, 
Only  to  live  to  Thee. 

Thine,  with  each  day  begun, 
Thine,  with  each  set  of  sun, 
Thine,  till  my  work  is  done. 

Anna  Warner. 

"^"OW,  believe  me,  God  hides  some  ideal  in 
every  human  soul.  At  some  time  in  our 
life  we  feel  a  trembling,  fearful  longing  to  do 
some  good  thing.  Life  finds  its  noblest  spring  of 
excellence  in  this  hidden  impulse  to  do  our  best. 
There  is  a  time  when  we  are  not  content  to  be 
such  merchants  or  doctors  or  lawyers  as  we  see 
on  the  dead  level  or  below  it.  The  woman 
longs  to  glorify  her  womanhood  as  sister,  wife, 
or  mother.  .  .  .  Here  is  God,  —  God  standing 
silently  at  the  door  all  day  long,  —  God  whisper- 
ing to  the  soul,  that  to  be  pure  and  true  is  to 
succeed  in  life,  and  whatever  we  get  short  of  that 
will  burn  up  like  stubble,  though  the  whole  world 
try  to  save  it. 

Robert  Collybk. 


66 


March  6. 


The  shadow  of  a  great  rock  in  a  weary  land.  — 
IsA.  xxxii.  2. 

///  rctitniiiig  and  rest  shall  ye  be  saved;  in 
quietness  and  in  confidence  shall  be  your  strenj^th. 
—  ISA.  XXX.  15. 

O  Shadow  in  a  sultry  land! 

We  gatlier  to  Thv  breast, 
Whose  love,  enfolding  like  the  night, 

Brings  cjuietudc  and  rest, 
Glimpse  of  the  fairer  life  to  be, 

In  foretaste  here  possessed. 

C.  M.  Packard. 

CTRIVE  to  see  God  in  all  things  without  ex- 

ception,  and   acquiesce   in   His   will   with 

absolute  submission.      Do  everything   for  God, 

uniting  yourself  to  Him  by  a  mere  upward  glance, 

or  by  the  overflowing  of  your  heart  towards  Him. 

Never  be  in  a  hurry ;  do  everything  quietly  and 

in  a  calm  spirit.     Do  not  lose  your  inward  peace 

for  anything  whatsoever,  even  if  your  whole  world 

seems  upset.     Commend  all  to  God,  and  then  lie 

still  and  be   at  rest  in  His  bosom.     Whatever 

happens,  abide  steadfast  in  a  determination  to 

cling  simply  to  God,  trusting  to  His  eternal  love 

for  you  ;  and  if  you  find  that  you  have  wandered 

forth  from  this  shelter,  recall  your  heart  quietly 

and  simply.     Maintain  a  holy  simplicity  of  mind, 

and  do  not  smother  yourself  with  a  host  of  cares, 

wishes,  or  longings,  under  any  pretext. 

Francis  de  Sales. 


March  7. 


67 


There  are  diversities  of  operations,  but  it  is  the 
same  God  which  workcth  all  in  all.  —  i  CoR.  xii.  6. 

T  form  the  light,  and  create  darkness;  I  make 
peace,  and  create  evil;  I  the  Lord  do  all  these  things, 
—  IsA.  xlv.  7. 

"  All  is  of  God  that  is,  and  is  to  be  ; 
And  God  is  good."    Let  this  suffice  us  still, 
Resting  in  childlike  trust  upon  His  will, 
Who  moves  to  His  great  ends,  unthwarted  by  the  ill. 

J.  G.  Whittier, 

'T'HIS,  then,  is  of  faith,  that  everything,  the  very 
least,  or  what  seems  to  us  great,  every 
change  of  the  seasons,  everything  which  touches 
us  in  mind,  body,  or  estate,  whether  brought  about 
through  this  outward  senseless  nature,  or  by  the 
will  of  man,  good  or  bad,  is  overruled  to  each  of 
us  l)y  the  all-holy  and  all-loving  will  of  God. 
Whatever  befalls  us,  however  it  befalls  us,  we 
must  receive  as  the  will  of  God.  If  it  befalls  us 
through  man's  negligence,  or  ill-will,  or  anger, 
still  it  is,  in  every  the  least  circumstance,  to  us 
the  will  of  God.  For  if  the  least  thing  could 
happen  to  us  without  God's  permission,  it  would 
be  something  out  of  God's  control.  God's  provi- 
dence or  His  love  would  not  be  what  they  are. 
Almighty  God  Himself  would  not  be  the  same 
God ;  not  the  God  whom  we  believe,  adore,  and 
love 

E.   B.   PUSEY 


68 


March  8. 


Study  to  show  thyself  approi.fed  unto  God,  a 
workman  thatneedeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  — 2  Tim. 
ii.  15. 

And  let  us  not  be  weary  in  loell-doing;  for  in 
due  season  we  shall  reap  if  we  faint  not.  —  Gal. 
vi.  ^ 

The  task  Thy  wisdom  hath  assigned. 

Oh,  let  me  cheerfully  fulfil ; 
In  all  my  works  Thy  presence  find, 

And  prove  Thine  acceptable  will. 

C.  Wesley. 

^  AAZ^^^"^  ^^  "^y  '^^^^  duty?  What  is  the  thing 
^  that  lies  nearest  to  me  ?  "  "  That  be- 
longs to  your  every-day  history.  No  one  can 
answer  that  question  but  yourself.  Your  next  duty 
is  just  to  determine  what  your  next  duty  is.  Is 
there  nothing  you  neglect  ?  Is  there  nothing  you 
know  you  ought  not  to  do?  You  would  know 
your  duty,  if  you  thought  in  earnest  about  it,  and 
were  not  ambitious  of  great  things."  "  Ah,  then," 
responded  she,  "  I  suppose  it  is  something  very 
commonplace,  which  will  make  life  more  dreary 
than  ever.  That  cannot  help  me."  '*  It  will,  if  it 
be  as  dreary  as  reading  the  newspapers  to  an  old 
deaf  aunt.  It  will  soon  lead  you  to  something 
more.  Your  duty  will  begin  to  comfort  you  at 
once,  but  will  at  length  open  the  unknown  foun- 
tain of  life  in  your  heart." 

G.  MacDonald 


March  9. 


69 


Thou  shall  rejoice  before  the  Lord  thy  God,  in 
all  that  thou  puitest  thine  hands  unto,  —  Deut. 
xii.  18. 

Be  ye  thankful,  —  Col.  iii.  15. 


Thou  that  hast  given  so  much  to  me, 
Give  one  thing  more,  a  grateful  heart 
Not  thankful  when  it  pleaseth  me, 
As  if  thy  blessings  had  spare  days  ; 
But  such  a  heart,  whose  pulse  may  be 

Thy  praise. 

G.  Herbert 


TF  any  one  would  tell  you  the  shortest,  surest 
way  to  all  happiness  and  all  perfection,  he 
must  tell  you  to  make  it  a  rule  to  yourself  to 
thank  and  praise  God  for  everything  that  hap- 
pens to  you.  For  it  is  certain  that  whatever 
seeming  calamity  happens  to  you,  if  you  thank 
and  praise  God  for  it,  you  turn  it  into  a  blessing. 
Could  you,  therefore,  work  miracles,  you  could 
not  do  more  for  yourself  than  by  this  thankful 
spirit;  for  it  heals  with  a  word  speaking,  and 
turns  all  that  it  touches  into  happiness. 

Wm.  Law 


/N 


70 


March  10. 


When  thou  passest  through  the  waters^  I  will  be 
with  thee ;  ami  through  the  rivers^  they  shall  not 
overflow  thee  :  when  thou  lualkest  through  theflre, 
thou  shalt  not  be  burned ;  neither  shall  the  Jlame 
kindle  upon  thee.  —  IsA.  xliii.  2. 

J  am  with  thee  to  deliver  thee.  — Jer.  i.  8. 

When  through  the  deep  waters  I  call  thee  to  g<\ 
The  rivers  of  sorrow  shall  not  overflow  ; 
For  I  will  be  with  thee  thy  troubles  to  bless, 
And  sanctify  to  thee  thy  deepest  distress. 

Anon. 

'T^URN  it  as  thou  wilt,  thou  must  give  thyself  to 
-'•  suffer  what  is  appointed  thee.  But  if  we 
did  that,  God  would  bear  us  up  at  all  times  in  all 
our  sorrows  and  troubles,  and  Ciod  would  lay  His 
shoulder  under  our  burdens,  and  help  us  to  bear 
them.  For  if,  with  a  cheerful  courage,  we  sub- 
mitted ourselves  to  God,  no  suffering  would  be 
unbearable. 

J.  Tauler. 

Learn  to  be  as  the  angel,  who  could  descend 
among  the  miseries  of  Bethesda  without  losing 
his  heavenly  purity  or  his  perfect  happiness. 
Gain  healing  from  troubled  waters.  Make  up 
your  mind  to  the  prospect  of  sustaining  a  certain 
measure  of  pain  an(l  trouble  in  your  passage 
through  life.  By  the  blessing  of  God  this  will 
prepare  you  for  it ;  it  will  make  you  thoughtful 
and  resigned  without  interfering  with  your  cheer- 
fulness. 

J.  H.  Newman 


March  11. 


71 


Cast  thy  burden  upon  the  Lord,  and  He  shall  sus- 
tain thee;  He  shall  never  suffer  the  righteous  to  bb 
moved.  —  Ps.  Iv.  22. 


Now  our  wants  and  burdens  leaving, 
To  His  care,  who  cares  for  all, 

Cease  we  fearing,  cease  we  grieving, 
At  His  touch  our  burdens  fall. 

S.  Longfellow. 

'T^HE  circumstances  of  her  life  she  could  not 
alter,  but  she  took  tliem  to  the  Lord,  and 
handed  them  over  into  His  management;  and 
then  she  believed  that  He  took  it,  and  she  left  all 
the  responsibility  and  the  worry  and  anxiety  with 
Him.  As  often  as  the  anxieties  returned  she 
took  them  back  ;  and  the  result  was  that,  although 
the  circumstances  remained  unchanged,  her  soul 
was  kept  in  perfect  peace  in  the  midst  of  them. 
And  the  secret  she  found  so  effectual  in  her  out- 
ward affairs,  she  found  to  be  still  more  effectual  in 
her  inward  ones,  which  were  in  truth  even  more 
utterly  unmanageal)le.  She  abandoned  her  whole 
self  to  the  Lord,  with  all  that  she  was  and  all  that 
she  had  ;  and,  believing  that  He  took  that  which 
she  had  committed  to  Him,  she  ceased  to  fret  and 
worry,  and  her  life  became  all  sunshine  in  the 
gladness  of  belonging  to  Him. 

H.  W   S 


72 


Marcli  12. 


The  Lord  bless  thee^  and  keep  thee  ;  the  Lord  make 
His  face  shine  upon  thec^  and  be  gracious  unto  thee  ; 
the  Lord  lift  up  His  countenanct'  upon  thee^  and  give, 
thee  peace.  —  Num.  vi.  24-26. 

O  Love,  how  cheering  is  Thy  ray! 

All  pain  before  Thy  presence  flies ; 
Care,  anguish,  sorrow, melt  away. 

Where'er  Thv  healing  beams  arise, 
O  Father,  nothing  may  I  see, 
.     Nothing  desire,  or  seek,  but  Thee. 

P.  Gerhardt. 

nPHERE  is  a  faith  in  God,  and  a  clear  percep- 
tion  of  His  will  and  designs,  and  provi- 
dence, and  glory,  which  gives  to  its  possessor  a 
confidence  and  patience  and  sweet  composure, 
under  every  varied  and  troubling  aspect  of  events, 
such  as  no  man  can  realize  who  has  not  felt  its 
influences  in  his  own  heart.  There  is  a  com- 
munion with  God,  in  which  the  soul  feels  the 
presence  of  the  unseen  One,  in  the  profound 
depths  of  its  being,  with  a  vivid  distinctness  and 
a  holy  reverence,  such  as  no  words  can  describe. 
There  is  a  stale  of  union  with  God,  I  do  not  say 
often  reached,  yet  it  has  been  attained  in  this 
world,  in  which  all  the  past  and  present  and 
future  seem  reconciled,  and  eternity  is  won  and 
enjoyed ;  and  God  and  man,  earth  and  heaven, 
with  all  their  mysteries,  are  apprehended  in  truth 
4s  they  lie  in  the  mind  of  the  Infinite. 

Samuel  D.  Robbins 


March  13. 


73 


He  that  abideth  in  me,  and  I  in  him,  bringeth 
forth  much  fruit.  — John  xv.  5. 

Let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our  God  be  upon  us. 
—  Ps  xc.  17 

As  some  rare  perfume  in  a  vase  of  clay 
Pervades  it  with  a  fragrance  not  its  own, 

So,  when  Thou  dwellest  in  a  mortal  soul, 
All  Heaven's  own  sweetness  seems  around  it  thrown. 

H.  B.  Stowe 


OOME  glances  of  real  beauty  may  be  seen  in 
their  faces,  who  dwell  in  true  meekness. 
There  is  a  harmony  in  the  sound  of  that  voice 
to  which  Divine  love  gives  utterance,  and  some 
appearance  of  right  order  in  their  temper  and 
conduct  whose  passions  are  regulated. 

John  Woolman. 

I  BELIEVE  that  no  Divine  truth  can  truly  dwell 
in  any  heart,  without  an  external  testimony  in 
manner,  bearing,  and  appearance,  that  must  reach 
the  witness  within  the  heart  of  the  beholder,  and 
bear  an  unmistakable,  chough  silent,  evidence  to 
the  eternal  principle  from  which  it  emanates. 

M.   A.    SCHIMMELPENNINCK 


74 


March  14. 


I  have  called  ttpon  Thee ^  for  Thou  wilt  hear  w<?, 
O  God:  incline  Thine  ear  unto  me,  and  hear  my 
speech.  —  Ps.  xvii.  6. 

Ve  people,  pour  out  your  heart  before  Him  :  God 
is  a  refuge  for  us.  —  Ps.  Ixii.  8. 

Whatever  the  care  which  breaks  thy  rest, 
Whate'er  the  wish  that  swells  thy  breast ; 
Spread  before  God  that  wish,  that  care, 
And  change  anxiety  to  prayer. 

Anon. 

np  ROUBLE  and  perplexity  drive  us  to  prayer, 

and    prayer    driveth    away    trouble    and 

perplexity. 

P.  Melancthon. 

Whatsoever  it  is  that  presses  thee,  go  tell 
thy  Father;  put  over  the  matter  into  His  hand, 
and  so  thou  shalt  be  freed  from  that  dividing,  per- 
plexing care  that  the  world  is  full  of.  Wiicn  thou 
art  either  to  do  or  suffer  anything,  when  thou  art 
about  any  purpose  or  business,  go  tell  Ood  of  it, 
and  acquaint  Mini  with  it ;  yea,  burden  Him  witli 
it,  and  thou  hast  done  for  matter  of  caring  ;  no 
more  care,  but  quiet,  sweet  diligence  in  thy  duty, 
and  dependence  on  Him  for  the  carriage  of  thy 
matters.     Roll  thy  cares,  and  thyself  with  them, 

as  one  burden,  all  on  thy  God. 

R.  Leighton 


March  15. 


75 


//ear  me,  O  Lord,  for  Thy  lovincr-kindness  is 
good:  turn  unto  me  according  to  the  multitude  of 
Thy  tender  mercies.  —  Ps.  Ixix.  i6. 

Let  J  pray  Thee,  Thy  merciful  kindness  be  for  my 
comfort,  according  to  Thy  word  unto  Thy  servant. 
—  Ps.  cxix.  76. 


Love  divine  has  seen  and  counted 
Every  tear  it  caused  to  fall  ; 

And  the  storm  which  Love  appointed 
Was  its  choicest  gift  of  all. 


Anon. 


Q  THAT  thou  couldst  dwell  in  the  knowledge 
and  sense  of  this  !  even,  that  the  Lord  be- 
holds thy  sufferings  with  an  eye  of  pity ;  and  is 
able,  not  only  to  uphold   thee  under  them,  but 
also  to  do  thee  good  by  them.     Therefore,  grieve 
not  at  thy  lot,  be  not  discontented,  look  not  out 
at  the  hardness  of  thy  condition  ;  l)nt,  when  the 
storm  and  matters  of  vexation  are  sharp,  Jook  up 
to  Him  who  can  give  meekness  and  patience,  can 
lift  up  thy  head  over  all,  and  cause  thy  life  to 
grow,  and  be  a  gainer  by  all.     If  the  Lord  God 
help   thee   proportionably  to   thy   condition   of 
affliction  and  distress,  thou  wilt  have  no  cause  to 
complain,  but  to  bless  His  name, 

I.  Penington 


76 


March  16. 


Whether  therefore  ye  eat,  or  drink,  or  whatso- 
ever ye  do,  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God.  —  i  Cor.  x.  31. 

With  eood  will  dain<:  service^  as  to  the  Lord  and 
not  unto  men.  —  Eph.  vi.  7. 

A  SERVANT,  with  this  clause, 

IVfakes  drudgery  divine : 
Who  sweeps  a  room,  as  for  Thy  laws. 

Makes  that  and  th'  action  fine. 

G.  Herbert 

^URELY  the  truth  must  be,  that  whatsoever  in 
our  daily  Hfe  is  lawful  ami  right  for  us  to  be 
engaged  in,  is  in  itself  a  part  of  our  obedience  to 
God  ;  a  part,  that  is,  of  our  very  religion.  When- 
soever we  hear  people  complaining  of  obstructions 
and  hindrances  put  by  the  duties  of  life  in  the 
way  of  devoting  themselves  to  God,  we  may  be 
sure  they  are  under  some  false  view  or  other. 
They  do  not  look  upon  their  daily  work  as  the 
task  God  has  set  them,  and  as  obedience  due  to 
Him.  We  may  go  farther ;  and  say,  not  only 
that  the  duties  of  life,  be  they  never  so  toilsome 
and  distracting,  are  no  obstructions  to  a  life  of 
any  degree  of  inward  holiness  ;  but  that  they  are 
even  direct  means,  when  rightly  used,  to  promote 
our  sanctiiication. 

H.  E.  Manning 


March  17. 


77 


WJiere  hast  thou  gleaned  to-day?  —  Ruth  ii.  la 


What  have  I  learnt  where'er  I  've  been, 
From  all  I  've  heard,  from  all  I  Ve  seen  ? 
What  know  I  more  that 's  worth  the  knowing? 
What  have  I  done  that  's  worth  the  doing  ? 
What  have  I  sought  that  I  should  shun.** 
What  duties  have  I  left  undone  .'* 

Pythagoras. 


A  LL  of  this  world  will  soon  have  passed  away. 
But  God  will  remain,  and  thou,  whatever 
thou  hast  become,  good  or  bad.  Thy  deeds 
now  are  the  seed-corn  of  eternity.  Each  single 
act,  in  each  several  day,  good  or  bad,  is  a  portion 
of  that  seed.  Each  day  adds  some  line,  making 
thee  more  or  less  like  Hira,  more  or  less  capable 
of  His  love. 

E.  B.   PUSEY. 

There  is  something  very  solemn  in  the  thought 
that  that  part  of  our  work  which  we  have  left 
undone  may  first  be  revealed  to  us  at  the  end  of 
a  life  filled  up,  as  we  had  fondly  hoped,  with 
useful  and  necessary  employments. 

Anna,  or  Passages  from  Home  Lifb 


78 


March  18. 


March  19. 


79 


Finally y  he  ye  all  of  one  miful,  having  compassion 
otie  of  another;  love  as  brethren,  be  pitiful^  be 
courteous,—  i  Peter  iii.  8. 

Make  us  of  one  heart  and  mind ; 
Courteous,  pitiful,  and  kind; 
Lowly,  meek,  in  thought  and  word. 
Altogether  like  our  Lord. 

C.  Wesley, 

/k  LITTLE  thought  will  show  you  how  vastly 
your  own  happiness  depends  on  the  way 
other  people  bear  themselves  toward  you.  The 
looks  and  tones  at  your  breakfast- table,  the  con- 
duct of  your  fellow-workers  or  employers,  the 
faithful  or  unreliable  men  you  deal  with,  what 
people  say  to  you  on  the  street,  the  way  )oiir 
cook  and  housemaid  do  their  work,  the  letters 
you  get,  the  friends  or  foes  you  meet,  — these 
things  make  up  very  much  of  the  pleasure  or 
misery  of  your  day.  Turn  the  idea  around,  and 
remember  that  just  so  much  are  you  adding  to 
the  pleasure  or  the  misery  of  other  people's  days. 
And  this  is  the  half  of  the  matter  which  you  can 
control.  Whether  any  particular  day  shall  bring 
to  you  more  of  happiness  or  of  suffering  is  largely 
beyond  your  power  to  determine.  Whether  each 
day  of  your  life  shall  give  happiness  or  suffering 
rests  with  yourself. 

George  S.  Merriam 


Showing  all  good  fidelity,  that  they  may  adorn 
the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things,  — 
TiTUS  ii.  10. 

If  on  our  daily  course  our  mind 
Be  set  to  hallow  all  we  find, 
New  treasures  still,  of  countless  price, 
God  will  provide  for  sacrifice. 

J.  Keble 

TF  content  and  thankfulness,  if  the  patient  bear- 
ing of  evil,  be  duties  to  God,  they  are  the 
duties  of  every  day,  and  in  every  circumstance 
of  our  life.  If  we  are  to  follow  Christ,  it  must  be 
in  our  common  way  of  spending  every  day. 

Wm.  Law. 

He  who  is  faithful  over  a  few  things  is  a  lord 
of  cities.  It  does  not  matter  whether  you  preach 
in  Westminster  Abbey,  or  teach  a  ragged  class, 
so  you  be  faithful.     The  faithfulness  is  all. 

G.  MacDonald. 

I  WOULD  have  you  invoke  God  often  through 
the  day,  asking  Him  to  kindle  a  love  for  your 
vocation  within  you,  and  saying  with  St.  Paul, 
'**Lord,  what  wouldst  Thou  have  me  to  do?* 
Wouldst  Thou  have  me  serve  Thee  in  the  lowest 
ministries  of  Thy  house  ?  too  happy  if  I  may  but 
serve  Thee  an}how."  And  when  any  special 
thmg  goes  against  you,  ask  "  Wouldst  Thou  have 
me  do  it?  Then,  unworthy  though  I  be,  I  will 
do  it  gladly.'' 

Francis  de  Sales. 


So 


March  20. 


TAou  shall  worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  atid  Him 
only  shalt  thou  serve.  —  Matt.  iv.  lo. 

Blessed  are  they  that  keep  His  testimonies^  and 
that  seek  Him  with  the  whole  heart.  —  Ps.  cxix.  2 


The  comfort  of  a  mind  at  rest 
From  every  care  Thou  hast  not  blest; 
A  heart  from  all  the  world  set  free, 
To  worship  and  to  wait  on  Thee. 

A.  L.  Waking 


13  ESIGN  every  forbidden  joy ;  restrain  every 
wish  that  is  not  referred  to  His  will ;  ban- 
ish all  eager  desires,  all  anxiety.  Desire  only  the 
will  of  God ;  seek  Him  alone,  and  you  will  find 
peace. 

FfiNELON. 

"  I  Ve  been  a  great  deal  happier  since  I  have 
given  up  thinking  about  what  is  easy  and  pleasant, 
and  being  discontented  because  I  could  n't  have 
my  own  will.  Our  life  is  determined  for  us; 
and  it  makes  the  mind  very  free  when  we  give  up 
wishing,  and  only  think  of  bearing  what  is  laid 
upon  us,  and  doing  what  is  given  us  to  do." 

George  Eliot 


March  21. 


8i 


Vour  heavenly  Father  knoweth  that  ye  have  need 
of  all  these  things,  —  Matt.  vi.  32. 


All  as  God  wills,  who  wisely  heeds 

To  give  or  to  withhold  ; 
And  knoweth  more  of  all  my  needs 

Than  all  my  prayers  have  told. 

J.  G.  Whittier 


T  ORD,  I  know  not  what  I  ought  to  ask  of 
Thee ;  Thou  only  knovvest  what  we  need  ; 
Thou  lovest  me  better  than  I  know  how  to  love 
myself.  O  Father  !  give  to  Thy  child  that  which 
he  himself  knows  not  how  to  ask.  I  dare  not 
ask  either  for  crosses  or  consolations ;  I  simply 
present  myself  before  Thee ;  I  open  my  heart  to 
Thee.  Behold  my  needs  which  I  know  not 
myself;  see,  and  do  according  to  Thy  tender 
mercy.  Smite,  or  heal ;  depress  me,  or  raise  me 
up ;  1  adore  all  Thy  purposes  without  knowing 
them  ;  I  am  silent ;  I  offer  myself  in  sacrifice  ;  I 
yield  myself  to  Thee ;  I  would  have  no  other 
desire  than  to  accomplish  Thy  will.  Teach  me 
to  pray ;  pray  Thyself  in  me. 

F^NELON. 


82 


March  22. 


He  that  contcmHeth  small  ihino^s  shall  fall  by 
little  ami  little.  ~  Ecclesiasticus  xix.   i. 

One  finger's-breadth  at  hand  will  mar 
A  world  of  light  in  heaven  afar, 
A  mote  eclipse  a  glorious  star, 
An  eyelid  hide  the  sky. 

J.  Keble. 

A  SINGLE  sin,  however  apparently  trifling, 
however  hidden  in  some  obscure  corner 
of  our  consciousness,  —  a  sin  which  we  do  not 
intend  to  renounce,  —  is  enough  to  render  real 
prayer  impracticable.  A  course  of  action  not 
wholly  upright  and  honorable,  feelings  not  en- 
tirely kind  and  loving,  habits  not  spotlessly 
chaste  and  temperate,  —  any  of  these  are  impas- 
sable obstacles.  If  we  know  of  a  kind  act  which 
we  might,  but  do  not  intend  to,  i)erform,  —  if  we 
be  aware  that  our  moral  health  requires  the 
abandonment  of  some  pleasure  which  yet  we  do 
not  intend  to  abandon,  here  is  cause  enough  for 
the  loss  of  all  spiritual  power. 

F.    P.    COIJBE. 

It  is  astonishing  how  soon  the  whole  con- 
science begins  to  unravel,  if  a  single  stitch 
drops  j  one  little  sin  indulged  makes  a  hole  you 
could  put  your  head  through. 

Charles  Buxton 


March  23. 


»3 


Beloved,  thou  doest  faithfully  whatsoever  thou 
doest.  — 3  John  5. 

And  this  also  we  wish,  even  your  perfection.  -^ 
z  CoR.  xiii.  9. 

In  all  the  little  things  of  life, 

Thyself,  Lord,  may  I  see ; 
In  little  and  in  great  alike 

Reveal  Thy  love  to  me. 

So  shall  my  undivided  life 
To  Thee,  my  God,  be  given ; 

And  all  this  earthly  course  below 
Be  one  dear  path  to  heaven. 

H.  60NAR. 

JN  order  to  mould  thee  into  entire  conformity 
to  His  will,  He  must  have  thee  pliable  in 
His  hands,  and  this  pliability  is  more  quickly 
reached  by  yielding  in  the  little  things  than  even 
by  the  greater.  Thy  one  great  desire  is  to  follow 
Him  fully ;  canst  thou  not  say  then  a  continual 
"  yes  "  to  all  His  sweet  commands,  whether  small 
or  great,  and  trust  Him  to  lead  thee  by  the 
shortest  road  to  thy  fullest  blessedness  ? 

H.  W.  S. 

With  meekness,  humility,  and  diligence,  apply 
yourself  to  the  duties  of  your  condition.  They 
are  the  seemingly  little  things  which  make  no 
noise  that  do  the  business. 

Henry  Mors. 


84 


March  24. 


March  25. 


85 


I  will  both  lay  me  down  in  peace,  and  sleep;  for 

Tkozi,  Lord^   only   makest  me  dwell  in  safety 

Ps.  iv.  8. 

He  gi%>eth  His  beloz^ed  sleep.  —  Ps.  cxxvii.  2. 

He  guides  our  feet,  He  guards  our  way, 
His  morning  smiles  bless  all  the  day; 
He  spreads  the  evening  veil,  and  keeps 
The  silent  hours  while  Israel  sleeps. 

I.  Watts. 

'IX7E  sleep  in  peace  in  the  arms  of  God,  when 
we  yield  ourselves  up  to  His  providence, 
in  a  delightful  consciousness  of  His  tender  mer- 
cies ;  no  more  restless  uncertainties,  no  more 
anxious  desires,  no  more  impatience  at  the  place 
we  are  in  ;  for  it  is  God  who  has  put  us  there, 
and  who  holds  us  in  His  arms.  Can  we  be 
unsafe  where  He  has  placed  us  ? 

F^NELON. 

OxE  evening  when  Luther  saw  a  little  bird 
perched  on  a  tree,  to  roost  there  for  the  night,  he 
said,  '*  This  little  bird  has  had  its  supper,  and 
now  it  is  getting  ready  to  go  to  sleep  here,  quite 
secure  and  content,  never  troubling  itself  what  its 
food  will  be,  or  where  its  lodging  on  the  morrow. 
Like  David,  it  '  abides  under  the  shadow  of  the 
Almighty.'  It  sits  on  its  little  twig  content,  and 
lets  God  take  care." 


/  will  hear  what  God  the  Lord  will  speak  :  for 
He  will  speak  peace  unto  His  people.  —  Ps.  Ixxxv.  8. 


There  is  a  voice,  "  a  still,  small  voice  "  of  love.. 

Heard  from  above ; 
But  not  amidst  the  din  of  earthly  sounds. 

Which  here  confounds ; 
By  those  withdrawn  apart  it  best  is  heard. 
And  peace,  sweet  peace,  breathes  in  each  gentle  word. 

Anonymous. 


LTE  speaketh,  but  it  is  with  us  to  hearken  or  no. 
It  is  much,  yea,  it  is  everything,  not  to 
turn  away  the  ear,  to  be  willing  to  hearken,  not 
to  drown  His  voice.  "  The  secret  of  the  Lord  is 
with  them  that  fear  Him."  It  is  a  secret,  hushed 
voice,  a  gentle  intercourse  of  heart  to  heart,  a 
still,  small  voice,  whispering  to  the  inner  ear. 
How  should  we  hear  it,  if  we  fill  our  ears  and  our 
hearts  with  the  din  of  this  world,  its  empty 
tumult,  its  excitement,  its  fretting  vanities,  or 
cares,  or  passions,  or  anxieties,  or  show,  or 
rivalries,  and  its  vvliirl  of  emptinesses? 

E.  B.  PUSEY. 


86 


March  26. 


Are  they  not  all  ministering  spirits? — Heb 

3.   14. 

May  I  reach 

That  purest  heaven,  be  to  other  souls 
The  cup  of  strength  in  some  great  agony, 
Enkiiullc  generous  ardor,  feed  pure  love, 
Be  the  sweet  presence  of  a  good  diffused, 
And  in  diffusion  ever  more  intense  ! 
So  shall  I  join  the  choir  invisible 
Whose  music  is  the  gladness  of  the  world. 

George  Eliot. 

/^ERTAINLY,  in  our  own  little  sphere,  it  is 
^-^  not  the  most  active  people  to  whom  we 
owe  the  most.  Among  the  common  people  whom 
we  know,  it  is  not  necessarily  those  who  are 
busiest,  not  those  who,  meteor-like,  are  ever  on  the 
rush  after  some  visible  charge  and  work.  It  is  the 
lives,  like  the  stars,  which  simply  pour  down  on  us 
the  calm  light  of  their  bright  and  faithful  being, 
up  to  which  we  look  and  out  of  which  we  gather 
the  deepest  calm  and  courage.  It  seems  to  me 
that  there  is  reassurance  here  for  many  of  us  who 
seem  to  have  no  chance  for  active  usefulness. 
We  can  do  nothing  for  our  fellow-men.  But  still 
it  is  good  to  know  that  we  can  be  something  for 
them ;  to  know  (and  this  we  may  know  surely) 
that  no  man  or  woman  of  the  humblest  sort  can 
really  be  strong,  gentle,  pure,  and  good,  with- 
out the  world  being  better  for  it,  without  some- 
body being  helped  and  comforted  by  the  very 

existence  of  that  goodness. 

Phillips  Brooks. 


March  27. 


87 


If  we  love  one  another,  God  dwelleth  in  us,  and 
His  love  is  perfected  in  us.  —  i  John  iv.  12. 

And  he  that  keepeth  His  commandments  dwelleth 
in  Him,  and  He  in  hiin.  And  hereby  we  know 
that  He  abideth  in  us.  by  the  Spirit  which  He  hath 
given  us.  —  i  John  iii.  24. 

Abide  in  me;  o'ershadow  by  Thy  love 
Each  half-formed  purpose  and  dark  thought  of  sin; 
Quench,  ere  it  rise,  each  selfish,  low  desire, 
And  keep  my  soul  as  Thine,  calm  and  divine. 

H.  B.  Stowe. 

'^HE  Spirit  of  Love  must  work  the  works,  and 
speak  the  tones,  of  Love.     It  cannot  exist 
and  give  no  sign,  or  a  false  sign.     It  cannot  be  a 
spirit  of  Love,  and  mantle  into  irritable  and  selfish 
impatience.     It  cannot  be  a  spirit  of  Love,  and 
at  the  same  time  make  self  the  prominent  object. 
It  cannot  rejoice  to  lend  itself  to  the  happiness  of 
others,  and  at  the  same  time  be  seeking  its  own. 
It  cannot  be  generous,  and  envious.     It  cannot 
be  sympathizing,  and  unseemly  ;  self-forgetful,  and 
vain-glorious.     It  cannot  delight  in  the  rectitude 
and    purity  of  other    hearts,    as    the   spiritual 
elements  of  their  peace,  and  yet   unnecessarily 
suspect  them. 

J  H.  Thom 


<  tj 


88 


March  28. 


March  29. 


89 


f 


Giving  thanks  always  for  all  things  unto  God, 
—  Eph.  v.  20. 

For  blessings  of  the  fruitful  season, 

For  work  and  rest,  for  friends  and  home, 

For  the  great  gifts  of  thought  and  reason, — 
To  praise  and  bless  Thee,  Lord,  we  come. 

Yes,  and  for  weeping  and  tor  wailing. 

For  bitter  hail  and  blighting  frost. 
For  high  hopes  on  the  low  earth  trailing. 

For  sweet  joys  missed,  for  pure  aims  crossed. 

E.   SCUDDER. 

^NOTWITHSTANDING  all  that  I  have  suf- 
fered, notwithstanding  all  the  pain  and 
weariness  and  anxiety  and  sorrow  that  necessa- 
rily enter  into  life,  and  the  inward  errings  that  are 
worse  than  all,  I  would  end  iny  record  with 
a  devout  thanksgiving  to  the  great  Author  of  my 
being.  For  more  and  more  am  I  unwilling  to 
make  my  gratitude  to  Him  what  is  commonly 
called  "a  thanksgiving  for  mercies,"  —  for  any 
benefits  or  blessings  that  are  peculiar  to  myself, 
or  my  friends,  or  indeed  to  any  man.  Instead  of 
this,  I  would  have  it  to  be  gratitude  for  all  that 
belongs  to  my  life  and  being,  —  for  joy  and 
sorrow,  for  health  and  sickness,  for  success  and 
disappointment,  for  virtue  and  for  temptation,  for 
life  and  death  ;  because  I  believe  that  all  is  meant 
for  good. 

Orville  Dewey. 


There  shall  no  evil  befall  thee.  —  Ps.  xci.  lo. 


Whoso  hearkenetn  unto  me  shall  dwell  safely, 
xnd  shall  be  quiet  from  fear  of  evil.  —  Prov.  i.  33. 


I  ASK  not,  "  Take  away  this  weight  of  care  ;  " 
No,  for  that  love  I  pray  that  all  can  bear, 

And  for  the  faith  that  whatsoe'er  befall 
Must  needs  be  good,  and  for  my  profit  prove. 
Since  from  my  Father's  heart  most  rich  in  love, 

And  from  His  bounteous  hands  it  comethall. 

C.  J.  P.  Spitta. 


DE  like  the  promontory,  against  which  the 
waves  continually  break  ;  but  it  stands  firm, 
and  'tames  the  fury  of  the  water  around  it.  Un- 
happy am  I,  because  this  has  happened  to  me  ? 
Not  so,  but  happy  am  I,  though  this  has  hap- 
pened to  me,  because  I  continue  free  from  pain, 
neither  crushed  by  the  present,  nor  fearing  the 
future.  Will  then  this  which  has  happened  prevent 
thee  from  being  just,  magnanimous,  temperate, 
prudent,  secure  against  inconsiderate  opinions 
and  falsehood  ?  Remember,  too,  on  every  occa- 
sion which  leads  thee  to  vexation  to  apply  this 
principle  :  that  this  is  not  a  misfortune,  but  that 
to  bear  it  nobly  is  good  fortune. 

Marcus  Antoninus. 


go 


March  30, 


TMou  shalt guide  me  with  Thy  counsel^  and  after- 
ward receive  me  to  glory .  —  Ps.  Ixxiii.  24. 

There  remaineth  therefore  a  rest  to  the  people  oj 
God.  —  Heb.  iv.  9. 

Guide  us  through  life ;  and  when  at  last 

We  enter  into  rest, 
Thy  tender  arms  around  us  cast. 

And  fold  us  to  Thy  breast. 

H.  F.  Lyte. 

f^O  forth  to  meet  the  solemnities  and  to  con- 
^^^  quer  the  trials  of  existence,  believing  in  a 
Shepherd  of  your  souls.  Then  fliith  in  Him  will 
support  you  in  duty,  and  duty  firmly  done  will 
strengthen  faith ;  till  at  last,  when  all  is  over  here, 
and  the  noise  and  strife  of  the  earthly  battle  fiides 
upon  your  dying  ear,  and  you  hear,  instead 
thereof,  the  deep  and  musical  sound  of  the  ocean 
of  eternity,  and  see  the  lights  of  heaven  shining 
on  its  waters  still  and  fair  in  their  radiant  rest, 
your  faith  will  raise  the  song  of  conquest,  and  in 
its  retrospect  of  the  life  which  has  ended,  and 
its  forward  glance  upon  the  life  to  come,  take 
up  the  poetic  inspiration  of  the  Hebrew  king, 
"  Surely  goodness  and  mercy  have  followed  me 
all  the  days  of  my  life,  and  I  will  dwell  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord  forever." 

Stopford  a.  Brooke. 


March  31. 


91 


Thou  shalt  be  in  league  with  the  stones  of  the 
field,  and  the  beasts  of  the  field  shall  be  at  peace 
with  thee.  A  nd  thou  shalt  know  that  thy  tabernacle 
shall  be  in  peace.  —Job  v.  23,  24. 


Love  had  he  found  in  huts  where  poor  men  liej 
His  daily  teachers  had  been  woods  and  rills. 
The  silence  that  is  in  the  starry  sky, 
The  sleep  that  is  among  the  lonely  hills. 

W.  Wordsworth. 


'P'HAT  spirit  which  suffices  quiet  hearts,  which 
seems  to  come  forth  to  such  from  every 
dry  knoll  of  sere  grass,  from  every  pine-stump, 
and   half-embedded   stone,   on  which   the  dull 
March  sun  shines,  comes  forth  to  the  poor  and 
hungry,  and  to  such  as  are  of  simple  taste.     If 
thou  fill  thy  brain  with  Boston  and  New  York, 
with  fashion  and  covetousness,  and  wilt  stimulate 
thy  jaded  senses  with  wine  and  French  coffee, 
thou  shalt  find   no  radiance   of  wisdom  in  the 
lonely  waste  of  the  pine-woods. 

R.  W.  Emersor 


92 


April  1. 


April  2. 


93 


For  Thou  tovest  all  the  thin^is  that  are,  and  ab- 
horrest  nothing  which  Thou  hast  made  :  for  never 
won  Ides  t  Thou  have  made  a'ly  thiiij^.  if  Thou  hadst 
hated  it.  But  Thou  sparest  all :  for  they  are  Thine, 
O  Lord,  Thou  lover  of  souls.  -  -  Wisdom  of  Solo- 
mon xi.  24,  26. 


He  prayeth  best  who  lovcth  best 
All  things  both  great  and  small ; 

For  the  clear  God  who  loveth  us, 
He  made  and  loveth  all. 

S.  T.  Coleridge, 


'T^O  know  that  Love  alone  was  the  beginning 
of  nature  and  creature,  tliat  nothing  but 
Love  encompasses  the  whole  universe  of  things, 
that  the  governing  Hand  that  overrides  all,  the 
watchful  Eye  that  sees  through  all,  is  nothing  but 
omnipotent  and  omniscient  Love,  using  an  infin- 
ity of  wisdom,  to  save  every  misguided  creature 
from  the  miserable  works  of  its  own  hands,  and 
make  happiness  and  glory  the  perpetual  inheri- 
tance of  all  the  creation,  is  a  reflection  that  must 
be  quite  ravishing  to  every  intelligent  creature 

that  is  sensible  of  it, 

\Vm.  Law 


. 


Know  ye  not  that  ye  are  the  temple  of  God,  and 
that  the  Spirit  of  God  dwelleth  in  you  ?  —  I  COR. 
iii.  16. 


Father  !  replenish  with  Thy  grace 

This  longing  heart  of  mine ; 
Make  it  Thy  quiet  dwelling-place, 

Thy  sacred  inmost  shrine  1 

Angelus  Silesius. 


"VTOT  man's  manifold  labors,  but  his  manifold 
^^  cares,  hinder  the  presence  of  God.  .  .  . 
Whatsoever  thou  doest,  hush  thyself  to  thine 
own  feverish  vanities,  and  busy  thoughts,  and 
cares ;  in  silence  seek  thy  Father's  face,  and  the 
light  of  His  countenance  will  stream  down  upon 
thee.  He  will  make  a  secret  cell  in  thine  heart, 
and  when  thou  enterest  there,  there  shalt  thou 
find  Him.  And  if  thou  hast  found  Him  there, 
all  around  shall  reflect  Him,  all  shall  speak  to 
Him,  and  He  will  speak  through  all.  Outwardly 
thou  mayest  be  doing  the  work  of  thy  calling ; 
inwardly,  if  thou  commend  thy  work  to  God, 
thou  mayest  be  with  Him  in  the  third  Heaven. 

E.   B.    PUSEY 


94 


April  3. 


April  4. 


95 


As  for  ihee^  the  Lord  ihy  God  hath  not  suffered 
thee  so  to  do.  —  Deut.  xviii.  14. 

Lord,  for  the  erring  thought 
Not  into  evil  wrought ; 
Lord,  for  the  wicked  will 
Betrayed  and  baffled  still ; 
For  the  heart  from  itself  kept. 
Our  Thanksgiving  accept. 

W.    I).    How  ELLS 

Tl/'HAT  an  amazing,  what  a  blessed  dispropor- 
^^  tion  between  the  evil  we  do,  and  the  evil 
we  are  capable  of  doing,  and  seem  sometimes  on 
the  very  verge  of  doing  !  If  my  soul  has  grown 
tares,  when  it  was  full  of  the  seeds  of  nightshade, 
how  happy  ought  I  to  be  !  And  that  the  tares 
have  not  wholly  strangled  the  wheat,  what  a 
wonder  it  is  !  We  ought  to  thank  God  daily  for 
the  sins  we  have  not  committed. 

F.  W.  Faher. 

We  give  thanks  often  with  a  tearful,  doubtful 
voice,  for  our  spiritual  mercies /^i-zV/W;  but  what 
an  almost  infinite  field  there  is  for  mercies  nega- 
tive !  We  cannot  even  imagine  all  that  God  has 
suffered  us  710 1  to  do,  not  to  be. 

F.  R.  Havercal. 

You  are  sur])rised  at  your  imperfections  — 
why?  I  should  infer  from  that,  that  your  self- 
knowledge  is  small.  Surely,  you  might  rather  be 
astonished  that  you  do  not  fall  into  more  frequent 
and  more  grievous  faults,  and  thank  God  for  His 
upholding  grace. 

|ean  Nicolas  Grou. 


Well  done,  good  and  faithful  sen/an/  :  thou  hast 
been  faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will  make  thee 
ruler  over  many  thinj^s  :  enter  thou  into  the  joy  0/ 
thy  Lord.  —  Matt.  xxv.  23. 

O  Father  !  help  us  to  resign 

Our  hearts,  our  strength,  our  wills  to  Thee; 
Then  even  lowliest  work  of  Thine 

Most  noble,  blest,  and  sweet  will  be. 

n.  M.  Kimball. 

"VTOTHING  is  too  little  to  be  ordered  by  our 
-^^  Father;  nothing  too  little  in  which  to  see 
His  hand  ;  nothing,  which  touches  our  souls,  too 
little  to  accept  from  Him;  nothing  too  little  to 
be  done  to  Him. 

E.  B.  PusEV 

A  SOUL  occupied  with  great  ideas  best  performs 
small  duties ;  the  divinest  views  of  life  penetrate 
most  cleady  into  the  meanest  emergencies  ;  so 
fiir  from  petty  principles  being  best  i)roportioned 
to  petty  trials,  a  heavenly  spirit  taking  up  its 
abode  with  us  can  alone  sustain  well  the  daily 
toils,  and  tranquilly  pass  the  humiliations  of  our 
condition. 

J.  Marti NEAU. 

Whoso  neglects  a  thing  which  he  suspects  he 
ought  to  do,  because  it  seems  to  him  too  small  a 
thing,  is  deceiving  himself;  it  is  not  too  litde, 
but  too  great  for  him,  that  he  doeth  it  not. 

E.    B     PUSEY 


96 


April  5- 


, 


Vef  I  have  left  me  sev:n  ihousmid  in  Israel^  all  the 
hnees  which  ha^'e  not  boned  iiuto  Baal,  and  ei'erv 
viouth  which  hath  not  kissed  him.  —  i  Kings  xix.  1 8. 

Back  then,  com|)laiiier  ;  loathe  thy  life  no  more, 
Nor  deem  thyself  upon  a  desert  shore, 

Because  the  rocks  the  nearer  prospect  close. 
Yet  in  fallen  Israel  are  there  hearts  and  eyes 
That  day  by  day  in  prayer  like  thine  arise  ; 

Thou  know'st  them  not,  but  their  Creator  knows. 

J.  Kki'.le. 

TLJE  went  down  to  the  great  school  with  a  glini- 
^  -■'  mering  of  another  lesson  in  his  heart,  — 
the  lesson  that  he  who  has  conquered  his  own 
coward  spirit  has  conquered  the  whole  outward 
world  ;  and  that  other  one  which  the  old  proi)het 
learnt  in  the  cave  in  Mount  Horeb,  when  he  hid 
his  face,  and  the  still  small  voice  asked,  "  What 
doest  thou  here,  Elijah  ? "  that  however  we 
may  fancy  ourselves  alone  on  the  side  of  good, 
the  Knig  and  Lord  of  men  is  nowhere  witnout 
His  witnesses ;  for  in  every  society,  however 
seemuigly  corrupt  and  godless,  there  are  those 
who  have  not  bowed  the  knee  to  Baal. 

Thomas  1 1  u  cues. 

So,  then,  Elijah's  life  had  been  no  failure,  after 
all.  Seven  thousand  at  least  in  Israel  had  been 
braced  and  encouraged  by  his  example,  and 
silently  blessed  hun,  perhaps,  for  the  courage 
which  they  felt.  In  God's  world,  for  those  who 
are  in  earnest  there  is  n(^  f^iihire.  No  work  truly 
done,  no  word  earnestly  si)oken,  no  sacrifice 
freely  made,   was  ever  made  in  vain. 

F.  W.  Robertson. 


April  6. 


97 


I 


Jil 


fn  the  multitude  of  my  thoui^hfs  within  me  Thy 
comforts  delight  my  soul.  —  Fs.  xciv.  19. 

Perplexed,  but  not  in  despair ;  cast  down^  but  noi 
destroyed.  — 2  CoR.  iv.  8,  9. 

Discouraged  in  the  work  of  life, 

J>isheartened  by  its  load, 
Shamed  by  its  failures  or  its  fears, 

I  sink  beside  the  road  ;  — 
But  let  mc  only  think  of  Thee, 
And  then  new  heart  springs  up  in  me. 

S.   LOxNGFELLOW. 

"QISCOURAGEMENT  is  an  inclination  to 
give  up  all  attempts  after  the  devout  life, 
in  consequence  of  the  difficulties  by  which  it  is 
beset,  and  our  already  numerous  fliilures  in  it 
We  lose  heart ;  and  partly  in  ill-temper,  pardy  in 
real  doubt  of  our  own  ability  to  persevere,  we 
first  grow  querulous  and  peevish  with  God,  and 
then  relax  in  our  efforts  to  mortify  ourselves  and 
to  please  Him.  It  is  a  sort  of  shadow  of  despair, 
and  will  lead  us  into  numberless  venial  sins  the 
first  half-hour  we  give  way  to  it. 

F.  W.  Fauer. 

Never  let  us  be  discouraged  with  ourselves ; 
it  is  not  when  we  are  conscious  of  our  faults  that 
we  are  the  most  wicked ;  on  the  contrary,  we  are 
less  so.  We  see  by  a  brighter  light ;  and  let  us 
remember,  for  our  consolation,  that  we  never  per- 
ceive our  sins  till  we  begin  to  cure  them. 

F6NEL0N 


98 


April  7. 


That  ye  may  pnwe  what  is  that  good,,  ana  accept- 
able,, and  perfect  will  oj  God.  —  ROM.  xii.  2. 

Thou  knowest  what  is  best  : 

And  who  but  Thee,  O  God/aatn  power  to  know  ? 
In  Thy  great  will  my  trusting  heart  shall  rest; 

Beneath  that  will  my  humble  head  shall  bow. 

T.  C.  Upham. 

TO  those  who  are  His,  all  things  are  not  only 
easy  to  be  borne,  but  even  to  be  gladly 
chosen.  Their  will  is  united  to  that  will  which 
moves  heaven  and  earth,  which  gives  laws  to 
angels,  and  rules  the  courses  of  the  world.  It  is 
a  wonderful  gift  of  God  to  man,  of  which  we  that 
know  so  litUe  must  needs  speak  little.  To  be  at 
the  centre  of  that  motion,  where  is  everlasting 
rest ;  to  be  sheltered  in  the  peace  of  God ;  even 
now  to  dwell  in  heaven,  where  all  hearts  are 
stayed,  and  all  hopes  fulfilled.  *'  Thou  shalt 
keep  him  in  perfect  peace  whose  mind  is  stayed 

on  Thee." 

H.  E.  Manning. 

Study  to  follow  His  will  in  all,  to  have  no  will 

but  His.      This    is   thy  duty,  and   thy    wisdom. 

Nothing  is  gained  by  spurning  and  struggling  Imt 

to  hurt  and  vex  thyself;  but  by  complying  all  is 

gained  —  sweet  peace.     It  is  the  very  secret,  the 

mystery  of  solid  peace  within,  to  resign  all  to  His 

will,  to  be  disposed  of  at  His  pleasure,  without 

the  least  contrary  thought 

R.  Leighton. 


April  8. 


99 


The  Lord  is  my  shepherd;  I  shall  not  want,  — 
Ps.  xxiii.  I. 

They  that  seek  the  Lord  shall  not  want  any  good 
thing.  —  Ps.  xxxiv.  lo. 


God,  who  the  universe  doth  hold 

In  his  fold, 
Is  my  shepherd  kind  and  heedful, 
Is  my  shepherd,  and  doth  keep 

Me,  his  sheep, 
Still  supplied  with  all  things  needful. 

F.  Davison. 


A 


JJ/HO  is  it  that  is  your  shepherd  ?  The  Lord  ! 
Oh,  my  friends,  what  a  wonderful  an- 
nouncement !  The  Lord  God  of  heaven  and 
earth,  the  almighty  Creator  of  all  things,  He  who 
holds  the  universe  in  His  hand  as  though  it  were 
a  very  little  thing,  —  He  is  your  shepherd,  and 
has  charged  Himself  with  the  care  and  keeping 
of  you,  as  a  shepherd  is  charged  with  the  care  and 
keeping  of  his  sheep.  If  your  hearts  could  really 
take  in  this  thought,  you  would  never  have  a  fear 
or  a  care  again ;  for  with  such  a  shepherd,  how 
could  it  be  possible  for  you  ever  to  want  any  good 
thing? 

H.  W.  S. 


lOO 


April  9. 


Watch  and  pray  y  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation 
—  Matt.  xxvi.  41. 

I  WANT  a  sober  mind, 

A  self- renouncing  will, 
That  tramples  down  and  casts  behind 

The  baits  of  pleasing  ill  ; 
A  spirit  still  i)reparcd, 

And  armed  with  jealous  care, 
Forever  standing  on  its  guard, 

And  watching  unto  prayer. 

C.  Wesley. 

T17HEN  you  say,  "  Lead  us  not  into  tempta- 
tion/'  you  must  in  good  earnest  mean  to 
avoid  in  your  daily  conduct  those  temptations 
which  you  have  already  suffered  from.  When 
you  say,  "  Deliver  us  from  evil,"  you  must  mean 
to  struggle  against  that  evil  in  your  hearts,  which 
you  are  conscious  of,  and  which  you  pray  to  be 
forgiven.  ...  To  watch  and  j^ray  are  surely  in 
our  power,  and  by  these  means  we  are  certain  of 
getting  strength.  You  feel  your  weakness ;  you 
fear  to  be  overcome  by  temptation :  then  keep 
out  of  the  way  of  it.  This  is  watching.  Avoid 
society  which  is  likely  to  mislead  you  ;  flee  from 
the  very  shadow  of  evil ;  you  cannot  be  too  care- 
ful \  better  be  a  little  too  strict  than  a  little  too 
easy,  —  it  is  the  safer  side.  Abstain  from  reading 
books  which  are  dangerous  to  you.     Turn  from 

bad  thoughts  when  they  arise. 

J.  H.  Newman 


April   10. 


TOr 


Whatsoever  ye  do^  do  it  heartily^  as  to  the  Lord^ 
and  not  unto  men.  —  CoL.  iii.  23. 

Not  with   eye-service^  as  mcn-plcasers ;   but  itt 
singleness  of  hearty  fearing  God  — Col.  iii.  22. 

Teach  me,  my  God  and  Iving, 

In  all  things  Thee  to  see, 
And  what  I  do  in  anything. 

To  do  it  as  for  Thee. 

G.  Herbert. 


nPHERE  is  no  action  so  slight  nor  so  mean  but 

it  may  be  done  to  a  great  purpose,  and 

ennobled  therefore  ;  nor  is  any  purpose  so  great 

but  that  slight  actions  may  help  it,  and  may  be  so 

done  as  to  help  it  much,  most  esj^ecially,  that 

chief  of  all  purposes  —  the  pleasing  of  God. 

J.  Rusk  I IV. 

Every  duty,  even  the  least  duty,  involves  the 
whole  principle  of  obedience.  And  little  duties 
make  the  will  dutiful^  that  is,  supple  and  prompt 
to  obey.  Little  obediences  lead  into  great.  The 
daily  round  of  duty  is  full  of  probation  and  of  dis- 
cipline ;  it  trains  the  will,  heart,  and  conscience. 
\V^e  need  not  to  be  prophets  or  apostles.  The 
commonest  life  may  be  full  of  perfection.  The 
duties  of  home  are  a  discipline  for  the  ministries 
of  heaven. 

H.  E.  Manning. 


I02 


April  11. 


April  12. 


^03 


Wherefore^  beloved  ,  ,  .  be  diligent  that  ye  viay 
be  found  of  Him  in  peace^  without  spot^  and  blame- 
less.—  2  Peter  iii.  14. 

His  conscience  knows  no  secret  stings, 

While  grace  and  joy  combine 
To  form  a  life  whose  holy  springs 

Are  hidden  and  divine. 

I.  Watts. 

"OVEN  the  smallest  discontent  of  conscience 
may  render  turbid  the  whole  temper  of  the 
mind  ;  but  only  produce  the  effort  that  restores 
its  peace,  and  over  the  whole  atmosphere  a  breath 
of  unexpected  purity  is  spread  ;  doubt  and  irrita- 
bility pass  as  clouds  away ;  the  withered  sympa- 
thies of  earth  and  home  open  their  leaves  and 
live ;  and  through  the  clearest  blue  the  deep  is 

seen  of  the  heaven  where  God  resides. 

J.  Martineau. 

The  state  of  mind  which  is  described  as  meek- 
ness, or  quietness  of  spirit,  is  characterized  in  a 
high  degree  by  inward  harmony.  There  is  not, 
as  formerly,  that  inward  jarring  of  thought  con- 
tending with  thought,  and  conscience  asserting 

rights  which  it  could  not  maintain. 

T.  C.  Upham 


t 


Be  perfect^  be  of  good  comfort,  be  of  one  mind^ 
live  in  peace;  and  the  God  of  love  and  peace  shall 
be  with  you.  — 2  Cor.  xiii.  11. 

He  that  loveih  not  his  brother  whom  he  hath 
seen.,  how  can  he  love  God  whom  he  hath  not  seen  f 
—  I  John  iv.  20. 


Lord!  subdue  our  selfish  will ; 

Each  to  each  our  tempers  suit, 
By  Thy  modulating  skill, 

Heart  to  heart,  as  lute  to  lute. 

C.  Wesley. 

TT  requires  far  more  of  the  constraining  love  of 
Christ  to  love  our  cousins  and  neighbors  as 
members  of  the  heavenly  family,  than  to  feel  the 
heart  warm  to  our  suffering  brethren  in  Tuscany 
or  Madeira.  To  love  the  whole  Church  is  one 
thing  ;  to  love  —  that  is,  to  delight  in  the  graces 
and  veil  the  defects  —  of  the  person  who  misun- 
derstood me  and  opposed  my  plans  yesterday, 
whose  peculiar  infirmities  grate  on  my  most  sen- 
sitive feelings,  or  whose  natural  faults  are  precisely 
those  from  which  my  natural  character  most  re- 
volts, is  quite  anotlier. 

Eliza^Jth  Charles. 


I04 


April  13. 


In  all  these  things  we  are  wore  than  conquerors 
through  Him  that  loved  us.  —  Rom.  viii.  37. 


Thus  my  soul  before  her  God 

Lieth  still,  nor  speaketh  more, 
Conqueror  thus  o'er  pain  and  wrong, 

That  once  smote  her  to  the  core ; 
Like  a  silent  ocean,  bright 
With  her  God's  great  praise  and  light. 

Winkler,  1713. 


"\/fY  mind  is  forever  closed  against  embarrass- 
ment and  peq:>lexity,  against  uncertainty, 
doubt,  and  anxiety ;  my  heart  against  grief  and 
desire.  Calm  and  unmoved,  I  look  down  on  all 
things,  for  I  know  that  I  cannot  explain  a  sin- 
gle event,  nor  comprehend  its  connection  with 
that  which  alone  concerns  me.  In  His  world 
all  things  prosper ;  this  satisfies  me,  and  in  this 
belief  I  stand  fast  as  a  rock.  .  .  .  My  breast  is 
steeled  against  annoyance  on  account  of  per- 
sonal offences  and  vexations,  or  exultation  in 
personal  merit ;  for  my  whole  personality  has 
disappeared  in  the  contemplation  of  the  purpose 
of  my  being. 

J.   G.    FlCHTE. 


April    14. 


105 


All  things  are  yours  ;  whether  Paul,  or  A  polios, 
or  Cephas,  or  the  world,  or  life,  or  death,  or  things 
present,  or  things  to  come;  all  are  yours ;  and  ye 
are  Christ's;  and  Christ  is  Gods.-^i  CoR.  iii. 
21,  22,  23. 

As  having  nothing,  and  yet  possessing  all 
tfiings.  —  2  CoR.  vi.  10. 


Old  friends,  old  scenes,  will  lovelier  be, 
As  more  of  Heaven  in  each  we  see : 
Some  softening  gleam  of  love  and  praver 
Shall  dawn  on  every  cross  and  care. 

J.  Keble. 

r^UT  of  love  and  hatred,  out  of  earnings,  and 
borrowings,  and  lendings,  and  losses ;  out 
of  sickness  and  pain  ;  out  of  wooing  and  wor- 
shipping ;  out  of  travelling,  and  voting,  and  watch- 
ing, and  caring ;  out  of  disgrace  and  contempt, 
comes  our  tuition  in  the  serene  and  beautiful 
laws.  Let  him  not  slur  his  lesson  ;  let  him  learn 
it  by  heart.  Let  him  endeavor  exactly,  bravely, 
and  cheerfully,  to  solve  the  problem  of  that  life 
which  is  set  before  ///;;/.  And  this,  by  punctual 
action,  and  not  by  promises  or  dreams.  Believ- 
ing, as  in  God,  in  the  presence  and  favor  of  the 
grandest  influences,  let  him  deserve  that  favor, 
and  learn  how  to  receive  and  use  it,  by  fidelity 
also  to  the  lower  observances. 

R    W.  Emerson 


io6 


April  15. 


IVe  know  that  all  thim^s  work  together  for  good 
to  them  that  lot'e  Goa.  —  Rom.  viii.  28. 

As  for  you,  ye  thought  evil  against  me  j  but  God 
meant  it  unto  good,  —  Gen.  1.  20. 

Ill  that  lie  blesses  is  our  good, 

And  unblest  good  is  ill; 
And  all  is  right  that  seems  most  wrong, 

If  it  be  His  cweet  Will. 

F.  W.  Faijer. 

TO  those  who  know  themseh-es,  all  things 
work  together  for  good,  and  all  things 
seem  to  be,  as  they  are  to  them,  good.  The 
goods  which  God  gives  seem  ''  very  good,"  and 
God  Himself  in  them,  because  they  know  that 
they  deserve  them  not.  The  evils  which  God 
allows  and  overrules  seem  also  "  very  good,"  be- 
cause they  see  in  them  His  loving  hand,  put 
forth  to  heal  them  of  what  shuts  out  God  from 
the  soul.  They  love  God  intensely,  in  that  He 
is  so  good  to  them  in  each,  and  every,  the  least 
good,  because  it  ih  more  than  they  deserve: 
how  much  more  in  the  greatest !  They  love 
God  for  every,  and  each,  the  very  greatest  of 
what  seem  evils,  knowing  them  to  be,  from  His 
love,  real  goods.  For  He  by  whom  "all  the 
hairs  of  our  head  are  numbered,"  and  who 
"  knoweth  whereof  we  are  made,"  directs  every- 
thing which  befalls  us  in  life,  in  perfect  wisdom 

and  love,  to  the  well-being  of  our  souls. 

E.  B.  PusE\i 


I 


April  16. 


107 


The  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you  wholly,  and 
I  pray  God  your  whole  spirit,  and  soul,  and  body, 
be  preserved  blameless.     Faithful  is  He  that  calleth 
you,  who  also  will  do  it.  —  \  Thess.  v.  23,  24. 

Be  still,  my  soul !  — the  Lord  is  on  thy  side  ; 

Bear  patiently  the  cross  of  grief  and  pain  / 
Leave  to  thy  God  to  order  and  provide,— 

In  every  change  Me  faithful  will  remain. 

Hymns  from  the  Land  of  Luther. 


JT  was  no  relief  from  temporal  evils  that  the 
Apostle  promised.  ...  No ;  the  mercy  of 
God  might  send  them  to  the  stake,  or  the  lions  ; 
it  was  still  His  mercy,  if  it  but  kept  them  "  un- 
spotted from  the  world."  It  might  expose  them 
to  insult,  calumny,  and  wrong ;  they  received  it 
still  as  mercy,  if  't  -  established  them  in  every 
good  word  and  work."  O  brethren  !  how  many 
of  ^w/ are  content  W\\\\  such  faithfulness  as  this 
on  the  part  of  your  heavenly  Father  ?  Is  this, 
indeed,  the  tone  and  tenor  of  your  prayers? 

Wm.  Archer  Butler. 


io8 


April  17. 


Blessed  is  that  man  that  maketh  the  Lord  hts 
trust.  —  Ps.  xl.  4- 

That  we  may  lead  a  quiet  and  peaceable  life,— 
I  Tim.  ii.  2. 

Just  to  let  thy  Father  do 

What  He  will; 
Just  to  know  that  He  is  true. 
And  be  still ; 
Just  to  trust  Him,  this  is  all  1 
Then  the  day  will  surely  be 
Peaceful,  whatsoe'er  befall, 

Bright  and  blessed,  calm  and  free. 

"  F.  R.  Havergal. 

EVERY  morning  compose   your  soul  for  a 
tranquil  day,  and  all  through  it  be  careful 
often  to  recall  your  resolution,  and  bring  your- 
self back  to  it,  so  to  say.     If  something  discom- 
poses you,  do  not  be  upset,  or  troubled  ;   but 
having    discovered    the    fact,   humble    yourself 
gently  before  God,  and  try  to  bring  your  mind 
into  a  quiet  attitude.     Say  to  yourself,  "  Well,  I 
have  made  a  false  step  ;   now  I  must  go  more 
carefully  and  watchfully."'     Do  this  each  time, 
however  frequendy  you  fall.     When  you  are  at 
peace  use  it  profitably,  making  constant  acts  of 
meei^ness,  and  seeking  to  be  calm  even  in  the 
most  trifling  things.     Above  all,  do  not  be  dis- 
couraged ;  be  patient ;  wait ;  strive  to  attain  a 

calm,  gentle  spirit. 

Francis  de  Sales 


Apnl    18 


109 


What  doth  the  Lord  thy  God  require  of  thee,  but 
to  fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  walk  in  all  His  ways, 
and  to  loz'e  Hint,  and  to  serine  the  Lord  thy  God 
with  all  thy  heart  and  with  all  thy  soul  ?  —  Deut. 

A.  •       Am* 

What  asks  our  Father  of  His  children  save 
Justice  and  mercy  and  humility, 
A  reasonable  service  of  good  deeds, 
I'ure  living,  tenderness  to  human  needs, 
Reverence,  and  trust,  and  prayer  for  light  to  see 
The  Master's  footprints  in  our  daily  ways.? 
No  knotted  scourge,  nor  sacrificial  knife. 
Hut  the  calm  beauty  of  an  ordered  life 
Whose  every  breathing  is  unworded  praise. 

J.  G.  Whittier. 

/"^IVEi  up  yourself  to  God  without  reserve;  in 

singleness   of    heart,   meeting    everything 

that  every  day  brings  forth,  as  something  that 

comes  from  God,  and  is  to  be  received  and  gone 

through  by  you,  in  such  an  heavenly  use  of  it,  as 

you  would  suppose  the  holy  Jesus  would  have 

.done,  in  such  occurrences.     This  is  an  attainable 

degree  of  perfection. 

Wm.  Law. 

We  ought  to  measure  our  actual  lot,  and  to 

fulfil  it ;  to  be  with  all  our  strength  that  which 

our  lot  recpiires  and  allows.     What  is  beyond  it, 

is  no  calling  of  ours.     How  much  peace,  quiet, 

confidence,  and  strength,  would  people  attain,  if 

they  would  go  by  this  plain  rule. 

H.  E.  Manning. 


no 


April  19. 


Thi  hand  of  our  God  is  upon  all  them  for  good 
thai  seek  Him.  —  Ezra  viii.  22. 

Into  Thy  hand  I  commit  my  spirit.  —  Ps.  ^xx\.  5. 


Thou  layest  Thy  hand  on  the  fluttering  heart. 

And  sayest,  "  Be  still  I  ** 
The  silence  and  shadow  are  only  a  part 

Of  Thy  sweet  will ; 
Thy  presence  is  with  me,  and  where  Thou  art 

I  fear  no  ill. 

F.  R.  Havergal. 

"OE  still  and  cool  in  thy  own  mind  and  spirit 

from  thy  own  thoughts,  and  then  thou  wilt 

feel  the  principle  of  God,  to  turn  thy  mind  to  the 

Lord  God,  from  whom  life  comes  ;  whereby  thou 

mayest  receive  His  strength,  and  power  to  allay 

all  blustering  storms  and  tempests.     That  is  it 

which  works  up  into  patience,  into  innocency, 

into  soberness,  into  stillness,  into  stayedness,  into 

quietness,  up   to   God   with    His  j)Ower.    .   .    . 

Therefore  be  still  awhile  from  thy  own  thoughts, 

searching,  seeking,  desires,  and  imaginations,  and 

be  stayed  in  the  principle  of  God  in  thee,  that  it 

may  raise  thy  mind  up  to  God,  and  stay  it  upon 

God ;    and  thou  wilt  find  strength  from   Him, 

and  find  Him  to  be  a  God  at  hand,  a  present 

help  in  the  time  of  trouble  and  need. 

George  Fox. 


April  20. 


in 


/  waited  patiently  for  the  Lord ;    and  He  in- 
clined unto  me,  and  heard  my  cry.  —  Ps,  xl.  \. 

Tribulation  worketh  patience  :  and  patience.,  ex- 
perience ;  and  experience^  hope.  —  Rom.  v.  3,  4. 


Lord,  we  have  wandered  forth  through  doubt  and  sorrow, 
And  Thou  hast  made  each  step  an  onward  one  ; 

And  we  will  ever  trust  each  unknown  morrow,  — 
Thou  wilt  sustain  us  till  its  work  is  done. 

S.  Johnson. 

TT  is  possible,  when  the  future  is  dim,  when  our 
depressed  faculties  can  form  no  bright  ideas 
of  the  perfection  and  liappiness  of  a  better  world, 
—  it  is  possible  still  to  cling  to  the  conviction  of 
God's  merciful  purpose  towards  His  creatures,  of 
His  parental  goodness  even  in  suffering ;  still  to 
feel  that  the  path  of  duty,  though  trodden  with  a 
heavy  heart,  leads  to  peace  ;  still  to  be  true  to 
conscience;  still  to  do  our  work,  to  resist 
temptation,  to  be  useful,  though  with  diminished 
energy,  to  give  up  our  wills  when  we  cannot 
rejoice  under  God's  mysterious  providence.  In 
this  patient,  though  uncheered  obedience,  we 
become  prepared  for  light.  The  soul  gathers 
force. 

Wm.  E.  Channing, 


112 


Ar>ril  21. 


April  22. 


113 


Whom  having  not  seen^  ye  love ;  in  whom, 
thoui^h  noiv  ye  see  Him  not,  ye  rejoice  with  joy  un- 
speakab/e,  and  full  ofxlo^y- '—  I   Peter  i.  8. 

If  ye  love  ///j,  keep  my  commandments.  —  John 
xiv.    I5» 


Blest  be  Thy  love,  dear  Lord, 
That  taught  us  this  sweet  way, 

Only  to  love  Thee  for  Thyself, 
And  for  that  love  obey. 


J.  Austin. 


'T^O  love  God  is  to  love  His  cbaracter.  For 
-■"  instance,  God  is  I'urity.  And  to  be  pure 
in  thought  and  look,  to  turn  away  from  unhal- 
lowed books  and  conversation,  to  abhor  the  mo- 
iients  in  which  we  have  not  been  pure,  is  to  love 
God.  God  is  Love  ;  and  to  love  men  till  pri- 
vate attachments  have  exi)anded  into  a  philan- 
thropy which  embraces  all,  —  at  last  even  the  evil 
and  enemies  with  compassion,  —  that  is  to  love 
God.  God  is  Truth.  To  be  true,  to  hate  every 
form  of  flilsehood,  to  live  a  l)rave,  true,  real  life,  — 
that  is  to  love  God.  God  is  Infinite  ;  and  to 
love  the  boundless,  reaching  on  from  grace  to 
grace,  adding  charity  to  fliith,  and  rising  u[)wards 
ever  to  see  the  Ideal  still  above  us,  and  to  die 
with  it  unattained,  aiming  insatiably  to  be  perfect 
even  as  the  Father  is  perfect,  —  that  is  to  love 

God. 

F.  W.  Robertson. 


I 


Enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord.  —  Matt. 
XXV.  23. 

Serving  the  Lord ;  rejoicing  in  hope.  —  Rom. 
xii.   II,   12. 

If  our  love  were  but  more  simple, 
We  should  take  Him  at  His  word; 

And  our  lives  would  be  all  sunshine 
In  the  sweetness  of  our  Lord. 

F.  W.  Farer. 

\  17 HAT  would  it  be  to  love  absolutely  a  Being 
absolutely  lovely,  —  to  be  able  to  give  our 
whole  existence,  every  thought,  every  act,  every 
desire,  to  that  adored  One,  —  to  know  that  He  ac- 
cepts it  all,  and  loves  us  in  return  as  God  alone 
can  love?  .  .  .  This  happiness  grows  forever. 
Tlie  larger  our  natures  become,  the  wider  our 
scope  of  thought,  the  stronger  our  will,  the  more 
fervent  our  affections,  the  deeper  must  be  the 
rapture  of  such  God-granted  prayer.  Every  sac- 
rifice resolved  on  opens  wide  the  gate  ;  every 
sacrifice  accornplishcd  is  a  step  towards  the  para- 
dise within.  Soon  it  will  be  no  transitory  glimpse, 
no  rapture  of  a  day,  to  be  followed  by  clouds  and 
coldness.  Let  us  but  labor,  and  pray,  and  wait, 
and  the  intervals  of  human  frailty  shall  grow 
shorter  and  less  dark,  the  days  of  our  delight  in 
God  longer  and  brighter,  till  at  last  life  shall  be 
nought  but  His  love  ;  our  eyes  shall  never  grow 
dim,  His  smile  never  turn  away. 

F.   P.    COBBE 

8 


114 


April  23. 


April  24. 


115 


These  were  the  potters^  and  those  thai  dwelt 
among  /tants  and  hedges :  there  they  dwelt  with 
(he  king  for  his  work.  —  i   Chron.  iv.  23. 

A  LOWLIER  task  on  them  is  laid, 
With  love  to  make  the  labor  lijj;ht; 

And  there  their  beauty  they  must  shed 
On  quiet  homes,  and  lost  to  sight. 

Changed  are  their  visions  high  and  fair, 

Yet,  calm  and  still,  they  labor  there. 

Hymns  of  the  Agfs. 

A  NY  WHERE  and  everywhere  we  may  dwell 
*'  with  the  King  for  His  work."  We  may 
be  in  a  very  unhkely  or  unfa\oral)le  place  for 
this ;  it  may  be  in  a  literal  country  life,  with 
little  enough  to  be  seen  of  the  "goings"  of  the 
King  arownd  us  ;  it  may  be  among  hedges  of  all 
sorts,  hindrances  in   all   directions ;    it  may  be, 

urthermore,  with  our  hanels  full  of  all  manner  of 

pottery   for  our  daily  task.     No  matter  !     Tlie 

King  who  jdaced  us  "  there  "  will  come  and  dwell 

there  with  u^ ;  the  hedges  are  all  right,  or  He  would 

soon  do  away  with  them  ;  and  it  does  not  follow 

that  what  seems  to  hinder  our  way  may  not  l)e 

for  its  very  protection  ;  and  as  for  the  pottery, 

why,  that  is  just  exactly  what  He  has  seen  fit  to 

put  into  our  hands,  and  therefore  it  is,  for  the 

present,  "  His  work." 

F.  R.  Havergai- 


I 


i 


Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens^  and  so  fulfil  the 
law  of  Christ.  —  Gal.  vi.  2. 

Is  thy  cruse  of  comfort  wasting  ? 

Rise  and  share  it  with  another, 
And  through  all  the  years  of  famine, 

It  shall  serve  thee  and  thy  brother. 
Is  thy  burden  hard  and  heavy  ? 

!)()  thv  steps  drag  heavily  ? 
Help  to  bear  thy  brother's  burden  ; 

God  will  bear  both  it  and  thee. 

Elizabeth  Charles. 

TJOWEVER  perplexed  you  may  at  any  hour 
become  aljout  some  question  of  truth,  one 
lefuge  and  resource  is  always  at  hand :  you  can 
do  something  for  some  one  besides  yourself. 
When  your  own  burden  is  heaviest,  you  can 
always  lighten  a  litde  some  other  burden.  At 
the  times  when  you  cannot  see  God,  there  is  still 
open  to  you  this  sacred  possibility,  to  show  God  ; 
for  it  is  the  love  and  kindness  of  human  hearts 
through  which  the  divine  reality  comes  home  to 
men,  whether  they  name  it  or  not.  Let  this 
thought,  then,  stay  with  you  :  there  may  be  times 
when  you  cannot  find  help,  but  there  is  no  time 
when  you  cannot  give  help. 

George  S.  Merriam. 


ii6 


April  25, 


Surely^  I  have  behaved  and  quieted  myself,  as  a 
child  that  is  weaned  of  his  mother;  my  soul  is 
ei'en  as  a  weaned  child.  —  Ps.  cxxxi.  2. 

Quiet,  Lord,  my  fro  ward  heart, 
Make  me  teachable  and  mild, 
Upright,  simple,  free  from  art, 
Make  me  as  a  weaned  child  j 
From  distrust  and  envy  free, 
Pleased  with  all  that  pleaseth  Thee. 

J.  Newton. 

/^H  !  look  not  after  great  things  :  small  breath- 
^^^  ings,  small  desires  after  the  Lord,  if  true 
and  pure,  are  sweet  beginnings  of  life.  Take 
heed  of  despising  "  the  day  of  small  things,"  by 
looking  after  some  great  visitation,  proportion- 
able to  thy  distress,  according  to  thy  eye.  Nay, 
thou  must  become  a  child ;  thou  must  lose  thy 
own  will  quite  by  degrees.  Thou  must  wait  for 
life  to  be  measured  out  by  the  Father,  and  be 
content  with  what  proix>rtion,  and  at  what  time. 
He  shall  please  to  measure. 

I.  Penington. 

"  When  Israel  was  a  child,  then  I  loved  him  " 
(Hosea  xi.  i).  Aim  to  be  ever  this  little  child, 
contented  with  what  the  Father  gives  of  pleas- 
ure or  of  play  ;  and  when  restrained  from  pleas- 
ure or  from  play,  and  led  for  a  season  into  the 
chamber  of  sorrow,  rest  quiet  on  His  bosom, 
and  be  patient,  and  smile,  as  one  who  is  nestled 
in  a  sweet  and  secure  asylum. 

Anon 


April  26. 


117 


If  we  hope  for  that  we  see  not,  then  do  we  with 
patience  wait  for  it,  —  Rom.  viii.  25. 

One  day  is  with  the  Lord  as  a  thottsand  years, 
and  a  thousand  years  as  one  day.  — 2  Peter  iii.  8. 


Lord!  who  Thy  thousand  years  dost  wait 

To  work  the  thousandth  part 
Of  Thy  vast  plan,  for  us  create 

With  zeal  a  patient  heart 

J.  H.  Newman. 

J  BELIEVE  that  if  we  could  only  see  beforehand 
what  it  is  that  our  heavenly  Father  mean^ 
us  to  be,  —  the  soul  beauty  and  perfection  and 
glory,  the  glorious  and  lovely  spiritual  body  that 
this  soul  is  to  dwell  in  through  all  eternity,  —  it 
we  could  have  a  glimpse  of  this,  we  should  not 
grudge  all  the  trouble  and  pains  He  is  taking 
with  us  now,  to  bring  us  up  to  that  ideal,  which 
is  His  thought  of  us.  We  know  that  it  is  God's 
way  to  work  slowly,  so  we  must  not  be  surprised 
if  He  takes  a  great  many  years  of  discipline  to 
turn  a  mortal  being  into  an  immortal,  glorious 
angel 

Annie  Keary 


Ii8 


April  27. 


April  28. 


119 


Speak  y^  every  man  the  truth  to  his  neighbor.  — 
Zech.  viii.  16. 

For  our  rejoicim^  is  this^  the  testimony  of  our  con- 
icience,  thai  in  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity  .  . 
we  have  had  our  conversation  in  the   world. — 
2  Cor.  i.  12. 

Ai'PKAR  T  always  what  I  am  ? 

And  am  I  what  I  am  pretending? 

Know  I  what  way  my  course  is  bending? 
And  sound  my  word  and  thought  the  same  ? 

Anon. 

A  M  I  acting  in  simplicity,  from  a  germ  of  the 
'^^  Divine  life  witliin,  or  am  I  shaping  my 
path  to  ol)tain  some  immediate  result  of  expe- 
diency? Am  I  endeavoring  to  compass  effects, 
amidst  a  tangled  web  of  foreign  influences  I  can- 
not calculate  ;  or  am  I  seeking  simply  to  do  what 
is  right,  and  leaving  the  consequences  to  the 
good  providence  of  God? 

M.  A.   SCHIMMELPENNINCK- 

Let  it  not  be  in  any  man's  power  to  say  truly 
of  thee  that  thou  art  not  simple,  or  that  thou  art 
not  good ;  but  let  him  be  a  liar  whoever  shall 
think  anything  of  this  kind  about  thee  ;  and  this 
is  altogether  in  thy  power.  For  who  is  he  that 
shall  hinder  thee  from  being  good  and  simple  ? 

Marcus  Antoninus 


■'< 


The  Lord  is  thy  keeper;  the  Lord  is  thy  shade 
upon  thy  right  hand.  —  Ps.  cxxi.  5. 

Great  peace  have  they  which  love  Thy  laws  eind 
nothing  shall  offend  them.  —  Ps.  cxix.  165 

I  REST  beneath  the  Almighty*s  shade, 
My  griefs  expire,  my  troubles  cease; 

Thou,  Lord,  on  whom  my  soul  is  stayed, 
Wilt  keep  me  still  in  perfect  peace. 

C.  Wesley. 

r^NE  great  sign  of  the  pnictical  recognition 
^^  of  the  ''  divine  moment,"  and  of  our  find- 
ing God's  habitation  in  it,  is  constant  calmness 
and  peace  of  mind.  i:\  ents  and  things  come 
with  the  moment ;  but  God  comes  with  them 
too.  So  that  if  He  comes  in  the  sunshine,  we 
find  rest  and  joy  ;  and  if  He  comes  in  the  storm, 
we  know  He  is  King  of  the  storms,  and  our 
heart:  are  not  troubled.  God  Himself,  though 
])0ssessing  a  heart  filled  with  the  tenderest  feel- 
ings, is,  nevertheless,  an  everlasting  tranquillity ; 
and  when  we  enter  into  His  holy  tabernacle, 
our  souls  necessarily  enter  into  the  tabernacle  of 

T.  C.  Urn  AM. 


rest. 


My  soul  was  not  only  brought  into  harmony 
with  itself  and  witli  God,  but  with  God's  provi- 
dences. In  the  exercise  of  faith  and  love,  I  en- 
dured and  performed  whatever  came  in  God's 
providence,  in  submission,  in  thankfiilness,  and 
silence. 

Madame  Guyon 


I20 


April  '^9. 


I  will  arise  and  go  to  my  Father,  —  Luke  xv.  i& 


0  MY  God,  my  Father !  hear, 
And  help  me  to  believe  ; 

Weak  and  weary  I  draw  near ; 
Thy  child,  O  God,  receive. 

1  so  oft  have  gone  astray ; 

To  the  perfect  Guide  I  flee  ; 
Thou  wilt  turn  me  not  away, 
Thy  love  is  pledged  to  me. 

IIVMNS   OF  THE   SPIRIT 


r\  CHILD,  hast  thou  fallen?  arise,  and  go,  with 
^^  childlike  trust,  to  thy  Father,  like  the  prod- 
igal son,  and  humbly  say,  with  heart  and  mouth, 
"  Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven,  and  before 
Thee,  and  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  Thy 
son  ;  make  me  as  one  of  Thy  hired  servants." 
And  what  will  thy  heavenly  Father  do  but  what  that 
father  did  in  the  parable  ?  Assuredly  He  will  not 
change  His  essence,  which  is  love,  for  the  sake 
of  thy  misdoings.  Is  it  not  His  own  precious 
treasure,  and  a  small  thing  with  Him  to  forgive 
thee  thy  trespasses,  if  thou  believe  in  Him?  for 
His  hand  is  not  shortened  that  it  cannot  make 
tliee  fit  to  be  saved. 

John  Tauler. 


April  30. 


121 


Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel^  that  they  go 
forward,  —  Ex.  xiv.  15. 

No  man,  having  put  his  hand  to  the  plough,  and 
looking  back,  is  Jit  for  the  kingdojn  of  God.  —  Luke 
ix.  62. 


Be  trustful,  be  steadfast,  whatever  betide  thee, 
Only  one  thing  do  thou  ask  of  the  Lord, — 

Grace  to  go  forward  wherever  He  guide  thee, 
Simply  believing  the  truth  of  His  word. 

Anon. 


'X'HE  soul  ceases  to  weary  itself  with  planning 
and  foreseeing,  giving  itself  up  to  God's 
Holy  Spirit  within,  and  to  the  teachings  of  His 
providence  without.  ...  He  is  not  forever  fret- 
ting as  to  his  progress,  or  looking  back  to  see 
how  far  he  is  getting  on  ;  rather  he  goes  steadily 
and  (juietly  on,  and  makes  all  the  more  progress 
because  it  is  unconscious.  So  he  never  gets 
troubled  and  discouraged  ;  if  he  falls  he  humbles 
himself,  but  gets  up  at  once,  and  goes  on  with 
renewed  earnestness. 

Jean  Nicolas  Grou, 


122 


May  1 


May  2. 


123 


i  i 


/  will  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times  :  His  praise 
shall  continually  be  in  my  inouth.  —  Ps.  xxxiv.  i. 

T7U ill  praise  Thee,  O  Lord,  with  my  whole  heart; 
I  will  show  forth  all  Thy  marvellous  works,  — 
l-^s.  ix.  I. 

Thrice  blest  will  all  cur  blessings  be, 
When  we  can  look  through  them  to  Thee; 
When  eacli  glad  heart  its  tribute  pays 
Of  love  and  gratitude  and  praise. 

M.  J.  Cotter  ILL, 

nPHAT  which  befits  us,  embosomed  in  beauty 
and  wonder  a:^  we  are,  is  cheerfulness,  and 
courage,  and  the  endeavor  to  realize  our  aspira- 
tions. Shall  not  the  heart  which  has  received  so 
much,  trust  the  Power  by  which  it  lives  ?  May  it 
not  quit  other  leadings,  and  listen  to  the  Soul  that 
has  guided  it  so  gently,  and  taught  it  so  much, 
secure  that  the  future  will  be  worthy  of  the  i)ast  ? 

!<.    W.    li.MERSON 

1  HAVE  experienced  that  the  habit  of  taking  out 
of  the  hand  of  our  Lord  every  little  blessing  and 
brightness  on  our  path,  confirms  us.  m  an  especiaJ 
manner,  in  communion  with  His  love. 

M.  A.   SCHIMMELPENNINCK, 


The  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  which 
is  in  the  sight  of  God  of  great  price.  —  i  Peter 
iii.  4. 

To  present  you  holy,  and  unblameable^  and  un- 
reproveable  in  His  sight.  —  CoL.  i.  22. 

Thy  sinless  mind  in  us  reveal, 

Thy  spirit's  plenitude  impart  I 
Till  all  my  spotless  life  shall  tell 

The  abundance  of  a  loving  heart. 

C.  Wesley. 

TIJOLINESS  appeared  to  me  to  be  of  a  sweet, 
pleasant,  charming,  serene,  calm  nature. 
It  seemed  to  me,  it  brought  an  inexpressible  pu- 
rity, brigntness,  peacefulness,  and  ravishment  to 
the  soul ;  and  that  it  made  the  soul  like  a  field 
or  garden  of  God,  with  all  manner  of  pleasant 
flowers,  that  is  all  pleasant,  delightful,  and  un- 
disturbed ;  enjoying  a  sweet  cahn,  and  the 
gently  vivifying  beams  of  the  sun.  The  soul  of 
a  true  Christian  appeared  like  such  a  little 
white  flower,  as  we  see  in  the  spring  of  the  year, 
low  and  humble  on  the  ground,  opening  its 
liosom  to  receive  the  pleasant  beams  of  the  sun's 
glory  ,  rejoicing,  as  it  were,  in  a  calm  rai)ture  ; 
diflusmg  around  a  sweet  fragrancy ;  standing 
l)eacefully  and  lovingly  in  the  midst  of  other 
flowers  round  about,  all  in  like  manner  opening 
their  bosoms  to  drink  in  the  light  of  the  sun. 

ToNATHAN  Edwards 


124 


May  3, 


The  Lord  is  good,  a  stron^-hoid  in  the  day  of 
trouble ;  and  He  knoweth  them  that  trust  in 
Him.  —  Nahum  i.  7. 

Leave  God  to  order  all  thy  ways. 
And  hope  in  Ilim,  whate'er  betide. 

Thou  'It  find  llim  in  the  evil  days 
Thy  all-sutJicicnt  strength  and  guide  , 

Who  trusts  in  God's  unchanging  love, 

Builds  on  the  rock  that  nought  can  move. 

G.  Neumarck. 

^UR  whole  trouble  in  our  lot  in  this  world 
rises  from  the  disagreement  of  our  mind 
therewith.  Let  the  mind  be  brought  to  the  lot, 
and  the  whole  tumult  is  instantly  hushed ;  let  it 
be  kept  in  that  disposition,  and  the  man  shall 
stand  at  ease,  in  his  affliction,  like  a  rock  un- 
moved with  waters  beating  upon  it. 

T  Boston. 

How  does  our  will  become  sanctified?  By 
conforming  itself  unreservedly  to  that  of  God. 
We  will  all  that  He  wills,  and  will  nothing  that 
He  does  not  will ;  we  attach  our  feeble  will  to 
that  all-powerful  will  which  performs  everything. 
Thus,  nothing  can  ever  come  to  pass  against  our 
will ;  for  nothing  can  happen  save  that  which 
God  wills,  and  we  find  in  His  good  pleasure  an 
inexhaustible  source  of  peace  and  consolation. 

F6NEL0N 


May  4. 


125 


Who  through  faith  subdued  kingdoms,  wrought 
righteousness,  obtained  promises,  stopped  the 
mouths  of  lions,  out  of  weakness  were  made 
strong.  —  Heb.  xi.  33,  34. 

She  met  the  hosts  of  Sorrow  with  a  look 

That  altered  not  beneath  the  frown  they  wore, 
And  soon  the  lowering  brood  were  tamed,  and  took. 

Meekly,  her  gentle  rule,  and  frowned  no  more. 
Her  soft  hand  put  aside  the  assaults  of  wrath. 
And  calmly  broke  in  twain 
The  fiery  shafts  of  pain, 
And  rent  the  nets  of  passion  from  her  path. 

By  that  victorious  hand  despair  was  slain  ; 
With  love  she  vanquished  hate,  and  overcame 
Evil  with  good,  in  her  great  Master's  name. 

W.  C.  Bryant. 


A  S  to  what  may  befall  us  outwardly,  in  this 

■^     confused  state  of  things,  shall  we  not  trust 

our  tender  Father,  and  rest  satisfied  in  His  will? 

Shall  anything  hurt  us  ?    Can  tribulation,  distress, 

persecution,  famine,  nakedness,  peril,  or  sword, 

come  between  the  love  of  the  Father  to  the 

child,  or  the  child's  rest,  content,  and  delight  in 

His  love?     And  doth  not  the  love,  the  rest,  the 

peace,  the  joy  felt,  swallow  up  all  the  bitterness 

and  sorrow  of  the  outward  condition  ? 

I.  Penington. 


126 


May  5. 


May  6. 


127 


If  thou  hast  run  with  the  footmen,  and  they 
have  wearied  thee,  then  how  canst  thou  contend 
with  horses  f  and  if  in  the  land  of  peace  wherein 
thou  trustedsty  they  wearied  thee,  then  how  wilt 
thou  do  in  the  swelling  of  for  dan  .?  — Jer.  xii.  5. 

How  couldst  thou  hang  upon  the  cross. 
To  whom  a  weary  hour  is  loss? 
Or  how  the  thorns  and  scourging  brook. 
Who  shrinkest  from  a  scornful  look  ? 

J.  Keble. 

^  HEART  unloving  among  kindred  has  no 
love  towards  God's  saints  and  angels.     If 
we  have  a  cold   heart  towards  a  servant  or  a 
friend,  why  should  we  wonder  if  we  have  no  fer- 
vor towards  God  ?     If  we  are  cold  in  our  private 
prayers,  we  should  be  earthly  and  dull  in  the 
most  devout  religious  order ;  if  we  cannot  bear 
the  vexations  of  a  companion,  how  should  we 
bear  the  contradiction  of  sinners?  if  a  little  pain 
overcomes  us,  how  could  we  endure  a  cross  ?  if 
we  have  no  tender,  cheerful,  affectionate  love  to 
those  with  whom  our  daily  hours  are  spent,  how 
should  we  feel  the  pulse  and  ardor  of  love  to 
the  unknown  and  the  evil,  the  ungrateful  and 
repulsive? 

H.  E.  Manning 


/ 


Be  kindly  affectioned  one  to  another  with  broth- 
erly love.  —  RoM.  xii.  10. 

///  her  tongue  is  the  law  of  kindness,  —  Prov. 
xxxi.  26. 

Since  trifles  make  the  sum  of  human  thinjis. 
And  half  our  misery  from  our  foibles  s]:>rings ; 
Since  life's  l)est  joys  consist  in  peace  and  ease, 
And  though  but  few  can  serve,  yet  all  can  i)lease; 
Oh,  let  the  ungentle  spirit  learn  from  hence, 
A  small  unkindness  is  a  great  offence. 

Hannah  More. 

A  LL  usefulness  and  all  comfort  may  be  pre- 
vented by  an  unkind,  a  sour,  crabbed 
temper  of  mind,  —  a  mind  that  can  bear  with  no 
difference  of  opinion  or  temi)erament.  A  spirit 
of  fault-finding ;  an  unsatisfied  temper;  a  con- 
stant irritability;  little  inequalities  in  the  look, 
the  temper,  or  the  manner  ;  a  brow  cloudy  and 
dissatisfied  —  your  husband  or  your  wife  cannot 
tell  why  —  will  more  than  neutralize  all  the  good 
you  can  do,  and  render  life  anything  but  a 
blessing. 

Albert  Barnes. 

You  have  not  fulfilled  every  duty,  unless  you 
have  fulfilled  that  of  being  pleasant. 

Charles  Buxton. 


128 


May  7. 


He  healeth  the  broken  in  hearty  and  bindeth  up 
their  wounds.  He  telleth  the  number  of  the  stars  ; 
He  calleth  them  all  by  their  names,  —  Ps.  cxlvii, 

3>4- 


Teach  me  your  mood,  O  patient  stars ! 

Who  climb  each  night  the  ancient  sky, 
Leaving  on  space  no  shade,  no  scars, 

No  trace  of  age,  no  fear  to  die. 

R.  W.  Emerson. 


T  LOOKED  lip  to  the  heavens  once  more,  and 
-*-  the  quietness  of  the  stars  seemed  to  reproach 
me.  "  We  are  safe  up  here,"  they  seemed  to  say  ; 
*'we  shine,  fearless  and  confident,  for  the  God 
who  gave  the  primrose  its  rough  leaves  to  hide 
it  from  the  blast  of  uneven  spring,  hangs  us  in 
the  awful  hollows  of  space.  We  cannot  fall  out 
of  His  safety.  Lift  up  your  eyes  on  high,  and 
behold  !  Who  hath  created  these  things  —  that 
bringeth  out  their  host  l)y  number?  He  calleth 
them  all  by  names.  By  the  greatness  of  His 
might,  for  that  He  is  strong  in  power,  not  one 
faileth.  Why  say  est  thou,  O  Jacob  !  and  speak- 
est,  O  Israel !  my  way  is  hid  from  the  Lord,  and 
my  judgment  is  passed  over  from  my  God?  " 

G.  MacDonald. 


May  8. 


129 


This  is  the  dav  which  the  Lord  hath  made ;  we 
will  rejoice  and  be  i^lad  in  it  — Ps.  cxviii.  24. 

Why  stand  ye  here  all  the  day  idle?  —  Matt. 
XX.  6. 

SvO  here  hath  been  dawning  another  blue  day; 
Think,  wilt  tliou  let  it  slip  useless  away? 
Out  of  eternity  this  new  day  is  born ; 
Into  eternity  at  night  will  return. 

T.  Carlyle. 

OMALL  cares,  some  deficiencies  in  the  mere 
*^  arrangement  and  ordering  of  our  lives, 
daily  fret  our  hearts,  and  cross  the  clearness  of 
our  faculties ;  and  these  entanglements  hang 
around  us,  and  leave  us  no  free  soul  able  to  give 
itself  up,  in  power  and  gladness,  to  the  true  work 
of  life.  The  severest  training  and  self-denial,  —  a 
superiority  to  the  servitude  of  indulgence,  —  are 
the  indispensal)le  conditions  even  of  genial 
spirits,  of  unclouded  energies,  of  tempers  free 
from  morbidness,  —  much  more  of  the  practised 
and  vigorous  mind,  ready  at  every  call,  and 
ihorougiijy  furnished  unto  all  good  works. 

J.   II.   TlIOM. 

True,  we  can  never  be  at  peace  till  we  have 
performed  tlie  highest  duty  of  all,  —  till  we  have 
;uiscn,  and  gone  to  our  Father;  but  the  perform- 
ance of  smaller  duties,  yes,  even  of  the  small- 
est, will  do  more  to  give  us  temporary  re])ose, 
will  act  more  as  healthful  anodynes,  than  the 
greatest  joys  that  can  come  to  us  from  any  other 
quarter. 

G.  MacDonald. 


I30 


May  9. 


The  Lord  gave  ^  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away  } 
blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord,  —  Job  i.  21. 

What  Thou  hast  given,  Thou  canst  take, 
And  when  Thou  wilt  new  gifts  can  make. 

All  flows  from  Thee  alone  ; 
When  Thou  didst  give  it,  it  was  Thine ; 
When  Thou  retook'st  it,  't  was  not  mine. 

Thy  will  in  all  be  done. 

John  Austin. 

VI7E  are  ready  to  praise  when  all  shines  fair; 
but  when  life  is  overcast,  when  all  things 
seem  to  be  against  us,  when  we  are  in  fear  for 
some  cherished  happiness,  or  in  the  dei)ths  of 
sorrow,  or  in  the  solitude  of  a  life  which  has  no 
visible  support,  or  in  a  season  of  sickness,  and 
with  the  shadow  of  death  approaching,  —  then 
to  praise  God ;  then  to  say,  This  fear,  loneliness, 
affliction,  pain,  and  trembling  awe  are  as  sure 
tokens  of  love,  as  life,  health,  joy,  and  the  gifts 
of  home :  "  The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath 
taken  away ; "  on  either  side  it  is  He,  and  all  is 
love  alike  ;  "  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord, "  — 
this  is  the  true  sacrifice  of  praise.  What  can 
come  amiss  to  a  soul  which  is  so  in  accord  with 
.God?  What  can  make  so  much  as  one  jarring 
tone  in  all  its  harmony?  In  all  the  changes  of 
this  fitful  life,  it  ever  dwells  in  praise. 

H.  E.  Manning. 


May  10. 


131 


The  Lord  redeemeth  the  soul  of  His  servants; 
and  none  of  them  that  trust  in  Him  shall  be 
desolate.  —  Ps.  xxxiv.  22. 

Though  He  slay  me^  yet  will  I  trust  in  Him,  — 
Job  xiii.  15. 


I  PRAISE  Thee  while  my  days  go  on ; 

I  love  Thee  while  my  days  go  on : 

Through  dark  and  dearth,  through  fire  and  frost, 

With  emptied  arms  and  treasure  lost, 

I  thank  Thee  while  my  days  go  on. 

E.  B.  Browning 


'T^HE  sickness  of  the  last  week  was  fine  medi- 
cine  ;  pain  disintegrated  the  spirit,  or  be- 
came spiritual.  I  rose,  —  I  felt  that  I  had  given 
to  God  more  perhaps  than  an  angel  could,  —  had 
l)romised  Him  in  youth  that  to  be  a  blot  on  this 
foir  world,  at  His  command,  would  be  acceptable. 
Constantly  offer  myself  to  continue  the  obscurest 
and  loneliest  thing  ever  heard  of,  with  one  pro- 
viso, —  His  agency.  Yes,  love  Thee,  and  all  Thou 
dost,  while  Thou  sheddest  frost  and  darkness  on 

every  path  of  mine. 

Mary  Moody  Emerson 


132 


May  11. 


Shall  we  receive  good  at  the  hand  of  Gody  and 
shall  we  not  receive  evil?  —  Job  ii.  lo. 

Thou  hast  dealt  well  with  Thy  servant,  O  Lord, 
according  to  Thy  word,  —  Ps.  cxix.  65. 


Whatsoe'er  our  lot  may  be, 
Calmly  in  this  thought  we  '11  rest,  — 

Could  we  see  as  Thou  dost  see, 
We  should  choose  it  as  the  best. 

Wm.  Gaskell. 


TT  is  a  proverbial  saying,  that  every  one  makes 
his  own  destiny;  and  this  is  usually  inter- 
preted, that  every  one,  by  his  wise  or  unwise  con- 
duct, prepares  good  or  evil  for  himself :  but  we 
may  also  understand  it,  that  whatever  it  be  that 
he  receives  from  the  hand  of  l*ro\  idence,  he  may 
so  accommodate  himself  to  it,  that  he  will  find 
his  lot  good  for  him,  however  much  may  seem 

to  others  to  be  wanting. 

Wm.  von  Humboldt. 


Evil,  once  manfully  fronted,  ceases  to  be 
evil ;  there  is  generous  batde-hoi)e  in  place 
of  dead,  passive  misery ;  the  evil  itself  has  be- 
come a  kind  of  good. 

T.  Carlyle 


May  12. 


133 


Fear  none  of  those  things  which  thou  shall 
suffer :  ...  ye  shall  have  tribulation  ten  days  :  be 
thou  faithful  unto  deaths  and  J  will  give  thee  a 
crown  of  life.  —  Rev.  ii.  10. 

Then,  O  my  soul,  be  ne'er  afraid, 
On  Ilim  who  thee  and  all  things  made 

Do  thou  all  calmly  rest ; 
Whate'er  may  come,  where'er  we  go, 
Our  Father  in  the  heavens  must  know 

In  all  things  what  is  best. 

Paul  Flemming. 

/^UIDE  me,  O  Lord,  in  all  the  changes  and 

varieties  of  the  world ;  that  in  all  things 

that  shall  happen,  I  may  have  an  evenness  and 

tranquillity  of  sj)irit ;  that  my  soul  may  be  wholly 

resigned  to  Thy  divinest  will  and  j)leasure,  never 

murmuring   at   Thy   gentle    chastisements    and 

fatherly  correction.     Amen. 

Jeremy  Taylor. 

Thou  art  never  at  any  time  nearer  to  God 
than  when  under  tribulation ;  which  He  permits 
for  the  purification  and  beautifying  of  thy  soul. 

M.  Molinos. 


Prize  inward  exercises,  griefs,  and  troubles ; 
and  let  faith  and  patience  have  their  perfect 
work  in  them. 

I.  Penington. 


134 


May  13. 


May  14. 


135 


/  pray  not  that  Thou  shoitldest  take  them  out  of 
the  world,  hut  that  Thou  shouldest  keep  them  from 
the  evil.— \ow^  xvii.  15. 

In  busy  mart  and  crowded  street, 

No  less  than  in  the  still  retreat, 

Thou,  Lord,  art  near,  our  souls  to  bless, 

With  all  a  Father's  tenderness. 

I.  Williams. 

/^NLY  the  individual  conscience,  and  He 
^^  who  is  greater  than  the  conscience,  can 
tell  where  worldliness  prevails.  Each  heart 
must  answer  for  itself,  and  at  its  own  risk.  That 
our  souls  are  committed  to  our  own  keeping,  at 
our  own  peril,  in  a  world  so  mixed  as  this,  is  the 
last  reason  we  should  slumber  over  the  charge, 
or  betray  the  trust.  If  only  that  outlet  to  the 
Infinite  is  kept  open,  the  inner  bond  with  eter- 
nal life  preserved,  while  not  one  movement  of 
this  world's  business  is  interfered  with,  nor  one 
pulse-beat  of  its  happiness  repressed,  with  all 
natural  associations  dear  and  cherished,  with  all 
human  sympathies  fresh  and  warm,  we  shall  yet 
be  near  to  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  within  the  or- 
der of  the  Kosmos  of  God  —  in  the  world,  but 
not  of  the  world  —  not  taken  out  of  it,  but  kept 

from  its  evil. 

J.  H.  Thom. 


J 


And  what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to 
do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly 
with  thy  God?—Vi\Z\VL  vi.  8. 

/'///  on  therefore  .  .  .  kindness,  humbleness  of 
mind,  meekness,  long-suffering.  — Qoi^.  iii.  12. 

Plant  in  us  an  humble  mind, 
Patient,  pitiful,  and  kind ; 
Meek  and  lowly  let  us  be, 
YwW  of  goodness,  full  of  Thee. 

C.  Wesley. 

THERE  is  no  true  and  constant  gendeness 
without  humility  ;  while  we  are  so  fond  of 
ourselves,  we  are  easily  offended  with  others. 
Let  us  be  persuaded  that  nothing  is  due  to  us, 
and  then  nothing  will  disturb  us.  Let  us  often 
think  of  our  own  infirmities,  and  we  shall  become 
indulgent  towards  those  of  others. 


F6NEL0N. 


Endeavor  to  be  patient  in  bearing  with  the 
defects  and  infirmities  of  others,  of  what  sort  so- 
ever they  be  ;  for  that  thyself  also  hast  many 
failin^s  which  must  be  borne  with  by  others. 
If  tliou  canst  not  make  thyself  such  an  one  as 
thou  wouldest,  how  canst  thou  expect  to  have 

another  in  all  things  to  thy  liking? 

Thomas  a  Kempis 


13^ 


May  15. 


My  presence  shall  s^o  with  thee^  and  I  will  give 
thee  rest.  —  Ex.  xxxiii.  14. 

Thou  wilt  shoiv  me  the  path  of  life :  in  Thy 
presence  is  fulness  of  joy ;  at  Thy  right  hand  there 
are  pleasures  for  evermore.  —  Ps.  xvi.  1 1. 


Thy  presence  fills  my  mind  with  peace, 
Brightens  the  thoughts  so  dark  erevvhile, 

Bids  cares  and  sad  forebodings  cease, 
Makes  all  things  smile. 

Charlotte  Elliott 

"LTOW  shall  we  rest  in  God  ?  By  giving  our- 
selves wholly  to  Him.  If  you  give  your- 
self by  halves,  you  cannot  find  full  rest ;  there 
will  ever  be  a  lurking  disquiet  in  that  half  whicli 
is  withheld.  Martyrs,  confessors,  and  saints  ha\'e 
tasted  this  rest,  and  "  counted  themselves  happy 
in  that  they  endured.'*  A  countless  host  ot 
God's  faithful  servants  have  drunk  deeply  of  it 
under  the  daily  burden  of  a  weary  life,  —  dull, 
commonplace,  painful,  or  desolate.  All  that 
God  has  been  to  tliem  He  is  ready  to  be  to  you. 
The  heart  once  fairly  given  to  God,  with  a  clear 
conscience,  a  fitting  rule  of  life,  and  a  steadfast 
purpose  of  obedience,  you  will  find  a  wonderful 
sense  of  rest  coming  over  you. 

Jean  Nicolas  GRrju 


May  16. 


137 


Finally^  my  brethren,  be  strong  in  the  Lord^  and 
in  the  potver  of  His  might.  —  Eph.  vi.  10. 

No  man  can  serve  two  masters.  —  Matt.  vi.  24. 

Oh,  there  are  heavenly  heights  to  reach 

In  many  a  fearful  place, 
Where  the  poor  timid  heir  of  God 

Lies  blindly  on  his  face  ; 
Lies  languishing  for  grace  divine 

That  he  shall  never  see 
Till  he  go  forward  at  Thy  sign, 

And  trust  himself  to  Thee. 

A.  L.  Waring. 

"D  ESERVATIONS  lie  latent  in  the  mind  con- 
cerning  some  unhallowed  sentiments  or 
habits  in  the  present,  some  possibly  impending 
temptations  in  the  future  ;  and  thus  do  we  cheat 
ourselves  of  inward  and  outward  joys  together. 
We  give  up  many  an  indulgence  for  conscience* 
sake,  but  stop  short  at  that  point  of  entire 
fiiithfulness  wherein  conscience  could  reward  us. 
If  we  would  but  give  ourselves  wholly  to  God, 
—  give  up,  for  the  present  and  the  future,  every 
act,  and,  above  all,  every  thought  and  every 
feeling,  to  be  all  purified  to  the  uttermost,  and 
rendered  the  best,  noblest,  holiest  we  can  con- 
ceive, —  then  would  sacrifice  bear  with  it  a 
peace  rendering  itself,  I  truly  believe,  far  easier 
than  before. 

F.   P.   COBBBi 


^38 


May  17. 


May  18. 


139 


Wherefore  comfort  yonrsch'cs  togtthery  and  edify 
Ofie  another y  even  as  also  ye  do.  —  i  Thess.  v.  i  i. 

Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.  —  Matt. 
xix.  19. 

So  others  shall 
Take  patience,  labor,  to  their  heart  and  hand, 
From  thy  hand,  and  thy  licart,  and  thy  brave  cheer, 
And  (Jod's  grace  fructify  through  thee  to  all. 
The  least  flower  with  a  brimming  cup  may  stand, 
And  share  its  dewdrop  with  another  near. 

E.  B.  Browning. 

"VITHAT  is  meant  by  our  neighbor  we  cannot 
doubt ;  it  is  every  one  with  whom  we  are 
brought  into  contact.  First  of  all,  he  is  literally 
our  neighbor  who  is  next  to  us  in  our  own  family 
and  household  ;  husband  to  wife,  wife  to  hus- 
band, parent  to  child,  brother  to  sister,  master 
to  servant,  servant  to  master.  Then  it  is  he 
who  is  close  to  us  in  our  own  neigliborhood,  in 
our  own  town,  in  our  own  parish,  in  our  own 
street.  With  these  all  .true  charity  begins.  To 
love  and  be  kind  to  these  is  the  very  beginning 
of  all  true  religion.  But,  besides  these,  as  our 
Lord  teaches,  it  is  every  one  who  is  thrown 
across  our  patb  l)y  the  changes  and  chances  of 
life ;  he  or  she,  whosoever  it  be,  whom  we  have 
any  means  of  helping,  —  the  unfortunate  stranger 
whom  we  may  meet  in  travelling,  the  deserted 
triend  whom  no  one  else  cares  to  look  after. 

A.  P.  Stanley. 


We  know  that  we  have  passed  fro?n  death  unto 
(ifey  because  zue  love  the  brethren.  —  i  John  iii.  14. 

He  that  loveth  not  knoweth  not  Godj  for  God 
is  love,  —  I  John  iv.  8. 

Mutual  love  the  token  be, 
Lord,  that  we  belong  to  Thee  > 
Love,  Thine  image,  love  imj^art ; 
Stamp  it  on  our  face  and  heart ; 
Only  love  to  us  be  given  ; 
Lord,  we  ask  no  other  heaven. 

C.  Wesley. 

/'^H,  how  many  times  we  can  most  of  us  re~ 
^^  member  when  we  would  gladly  have  made 
any  compromise  with  our  consciences,  would 
gladly  have  made  the  most  costly  sacrifices  to 
God,  if  He  would  only  have  excused  us  from 
this  duty  of  loving,  of  which  our  nature  seemed 
utterly  incapable.  It  is  far  easier  to  feel  kindly, 
to  act  kindly,  toward  those  with  whom  we  are 
seldom  brought  into  contact,  whose  tempers 
and  prejudices  do  not  rub  against  ours,  whose 
interests  do  not  clash  with  ours,  than  to  keep  up 
an  habitual,  steady,  self-sacrificing  love  towards 
those  whose  weaknesses  and  faults  are  always 
forcing  themselves  upon  us,  and  are  stirring  up 
our  own.  A  man  may  pass  good  muster  as  a 
philanthrojiist  who  makes  but  a  poor  master  tt> 
his  servants,  or  father  to  his  children. 

F.  D.  Mauricr 


140 


May  19. 


Rest  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  patiently  for  Him,  • 
Ps.  xxxvii.  7. 

Trust  in  Him  at  all  times.  —  Ps.  Ixii.  8. 

Dost  thou  ask  when  comes  His  hour  ? 

Then,  when  it  shall  aid  thee  best. 
Trust  His  faithfulness  and  power, 

Trust  in  Him,  and  quiet  rest. 

Anon. 

r  HAD  found  [communion  with  God]  to  con- 
sist, not  only  in  the  silencing  of  the  outward 
man,  but  in  the  silencing  also  of  every  thought, 
and  in  the  concentration  of  the  soul  and  dl  its 
powers  into  a  simple,  quiet  watching  and  waiting 
for  the  food  which  its  heavenly  Father  might 
see  fit  either  to  give  or  to  withhold.  In  no  case 
could  it  be  sent  empty  away:  for,  if  comfort, 
light,  or  joy  were  withheld,  the  act  of  humble 
waiting  at  the  gate  of  heavenly  wisdom  could 
not  but  work  patience  in  it,  and  thus  render  it, 
by  humility  and  obedience,  more  "  meet  to  be  a 
partaker  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light," 
and  also  more  blessed  in  itself. 

M.  A.  Kelty. 

"Rest  in  the  Lord;  wait  patiently  for 
Him."  In  Hebrew,  "  be  silent  to  God,  and  let 
Him  mould  thee."  Keep  still,  and  He  will 
mould  thee  to  the  right  shape. 

Martin  Lutheb 


May  20. 


141 


To  be  spiritually  minded  is  life  and  peace,  ^^ 
Rom.  viii.  6. 


Stilled  now  be  every  anxious  care ; 
See  God's  great  goodness  everywhere  ; 
Leave  all  to  Him  in  perfect  rest : 
He  will  do  all  things  for  the  best. 

From  the  German. 


g 


1X7 E  should   all  endeavor  and  labor    for  a 

calmer   spirit,   that   we   may  the   better 

sene  God  in  praying  to  Him  and  praising  Him ; 

and  serve  one  another  in  love,  that  we  may  be 

fitted  to  do  and   receive   good;  that   we   may 

make  our   passage   to   heaven    more   easy   and 

cheerful,  without  drooping  and  hanging  the  wing. 

So  much  as  we  are  quiet  and  cheerful  upon  good 

round,  so  much  we  live,  and  are,  as  it  were,  in 

heaven. 

R.  Sibbes. 

Pos-i  ss  yourself  as  much  as  you  possibly  can 
\\\  p'j.K  e  j  not  by  any  effort,  but  by  letting  all 
tliiiigs  fall  to  the  ground  which  trouble  or  excite 
\ou.  This  is  no  work,  but  is,  as  it  were,  a  set- 
ting down  a  fluid  to  settle  that  has  become  tur- 
bid tlirough  agitation. 

Madame  Guyon- 


I 


142 


May  21. 


May  22. 


143 


The  beloved  of  the  Lord  shall  dwell  in  safety  by 
Him;  and  the  Lord  shall  cover  him  all  the  day 
long,  —  Deut.  xxxiii.  12. 


He  that  dwelleth  in  the  secret  place  of  the  Most 
lU^h  shall  abide  under  the  shadow  of  the 
Almighty.  —  Ps.  xci.  i. 


Whate'er  events  betide, 

Thy  will  they  all  perform  ; 
Safe  in  Thy  breast  my  head  I  hide, 

Nor  fear  the  coming  storm. 

H.  F.  Lyte. 


I  HAVE  seemed  to  see  a  need  of  everything  God 
gives  me,  and  want  nothing  that  He  denies 
me.  There  is  no  dispensation,  though  afflictive, 
but  either  in  it,  or  after  it,  I  find  that  I  could 
not  be  without  it.  Whether  it  be  taken  from  or 
not  given  me,  sooner  or  later  Ciod  quiets  me  in 
Himself  without  it.  I  cast  all  my  concerns  on 
the  Lord,  and  live  securely  on  the  care  and  wis- 
dom  of  my  heavenly  Father.  My  ways,  you 
know,  are,  in  a  sense,  hedged  up  with  thorns, 
and  grow  darker  and  darker  daily;  but  yet  I 
distrust  not  my  good  (iod  in  the  least,  and  live 
more  quietly  in  the  absence  of  all  by  faith,  than 
I  should  do,  I  am  persuaded,  if  I  possessed 

them. 

Anon,  1810. 


They  who  on  the  Lord  rely, 
Safely  dwell  though  danger 's  nigh  ; 
Lo  I  His  sheltering  wings  are  spread 
O'er  each  faithful  servant's  head. 
When  they  wake,  or  when  they  sleep, 
Angel  guards  their  vigils  keep  ; 
Death  and  danger  may  be  near, 
Faith  and  love  have  nought  to  fear. 

Harriet  Auber. 

''T^HERE  shall  no  evil  befall   thee,  neither 

shall  any  plague  come  nigh  thy  dwelling," 

is  a  promise  to  the  fullest  extent  verified  in  the 

case  of  all  "  who  dwell  in  the  secret  place  of  the 

Most  High."     To  them  sorrows  are  not  "  evils,'' 

sicknesses  are  not  ''  plagues ; "  the  shadow  of 

the  .\lmighty  extending  far  around  those  who 

abide  under  it,  alters  the  character  of  all  things 

wliich  come  within  its  influence. 

Anon. 

It  is  faith's  work  to  claim  and  challenge  lov- 
ing-kindness out  of  all  the  roughest  strokes  of 
God. 

S.  RUTHERFORIK 


May  23. 


Be  content  with  such  things  as  ye  have.  —  Heb. 
xiii.  5- 

/  have  learned^  in  whatsoever  state  I  atn^  there- 
'  with  to  be  content,  —  Phil.  iv.  1 1. 


No  longer  forward  nor  behind 

I  look  in  hope  or  fear ; 
But,  grateful,  take  the  good  I  find, 

The  best  of  now  and  here. 

J.  G.  Whittier. 

TF  we  wished  to  gain  contentment,  we  might 
try  such  rules  as  these  :  — 

1.  Allow  thyself  to  complain  of  nothing,  not 
even  of  the  weather. 

2.  Never  picture  thyself  to  thyself  under  any 
circumstances  in  which  thou  art  not. 

3.  Never  compare  thine  own  lot  with  that  of 
another. 

4.  Never  allow  thyself  to  dwell  on  the  wish 
that  this  or  that  had  been,  or  were,  otherwise 
than  it  was,  or  is.  God  Almighty  loves  thee  bet- 
ter and  more  wisely  than  thou  dost  thyself. 

5.  Never  dwell  on  the  morrow.  Remember 
that  it  is  God's,  not  thine.  The  heaviest  part  of 
sorrow  often  is  to  look  forward  to  it.  "  The  Lord 
will  provide." 

E.  B.  PUSEY 


May  24. 


14s 


Now  no  chastening  for  the  present  seeineth  to  be 
joyous^  but  grievous:  nevertheless  afterward  it 
yieldeth  the  peaceable  fruit  of  righteousness  unto 
them  which  are  exercised  thereby,  —  Heb.  xii.  11. 


I  CANNOT  say, 
Beneath  the  pressure  of  life's  cares  to-day, 

I  joy  in  these  ; 

But  I  can  say 
That  I  had  rather  walk  this  rugged  way, 

If  Him  it  please. 

S.  G.  Browning- 


nPHE  particular  annoyance  which  befell  you 
this  morning ;  the  vexatious  words  which 
met  your  ear  and  "grieved"  your  spirit;  the 
disappointment  which  was  His  appointment  for 
to-day;  the  slight  but  hindering  ailment;  the 
presence  of  some  one  who  is  "  a  grief  of  mind  " 
to  you,  —  whatever  this  day  seemeth  not  joyous, 
but  grievous,  is  linked  in  "  the  good  pleasure  of 
His  goodness ''  with  a  corresponding  afterward 
of  "  peaceable  fruit,'*  the  very  seed  from  which, 
if  you  only  do  not  choke  it,  this  shall  spring  and 
ripen, 

F.  R.  Haver  GAL. 


T46 


May  25. 


May  26. 


147 


O  my  Father,  if  it  be  possible^  let  tin's  cup  pass 
from  me ;  nei'ert/ieless  not  as  I  will,  but  as  Thou 
wilt.  —  Matt.  xxvi.  39. 

0  Lord  my  God,  do  Thou  Thy  holy  will,  — 

I  will  lie  still. 

1  will  not  stir,  lest  I  forsake  Thine  arm, 

And  break  the  charm 
Which  lulls  me,  clinging  to  my  Father's  breast, 
In  perfect  rest. 

J.  Keble. 

"DESIGNATION  to  the  will  of  God  is  the 
whole  of  piety ;  it  includes  in  it  all  that  is 
good ;  and  is  a  source  of  the  most  settled  quiet 
and  composure  of  mind.  Our  resignation  to  the 
will  of  God  may  be  said  to  be  perfect,  when  our 
will  is  lost  and  resolved  up  into  His  ;  when  we 
rest  in  His  will  as  our  end,  as  being  itself  most 
just,  and  right,  and  good.  And  where  is  the  im- 
possibility of  such  an  affection  to  what  is  just 
and  right  and  good,  such  a  loyalty  of  heart  to 
the  Governor  of  the  universe,  as  shall  prevail 

over  all  sinister  indirect  desires  of  our  own  ? 

J(jsKi'U  Butler. 

There  are  no  disappointments  to  those  whose 

wills  are  buried  in  the  will  of  God. 

F.  W.  Fai'.er. 

Lord,  Thy  will   be  done  in  father,  mother, 

child,  in  everything  and  everywhere  ;  without  a 

reserve,  without  a  but,  an  if,  or  a  limit. 

Francis  de  Sales. 


The  Lord  heareth  your  murmurings,  which  ye 
murmur  against  Him.  —  Ex.  xvi.  8. 

Without  murmur,  uncomplaining, 

In  His  hand, 
Leave  whatever  things  thou  canst  not 

Understand. 

K.  R.  IIagenbach. 

/^NE  great  characteristic  of  holiness  is  never 
to  be  exacting  —  never  to  complain. 
Knrh  complaint  drags  us  down  a  degree,  in  our 
upward  course.  If  you  would  discern  in  whom 
God's  spirit  dwells,  watch  that  person,  and  notice 
whether  you  ever  hear  him  murmur. 

Gold  Dust. 

When  we  wish  things  to  be  otherwise  than 
they  are,  we  lose  sight  of  the  great  practical  parts 
of  the  life  of  godliness.  We  wish,  and  wish  — 
when,  if  we  have  done  all  that  lies  on  us,  we 
should  fall  quietly  into  the  hands  of  God.  Such 
wishing  cuts  the  very  sinews  of  our  privileges  and 
consolations.  You  are  leaving  me  for  a  time ; 
and  you  say  that  you  wish  you  could  leave  me 
l)etter,  or  leave  me  with  some  assistance  :  but,  if 
it  is  right  for  you  to  go,  it  is  right  for  me  to  meet 
what  lies  on  me,  without  a  wish  that  I  had  less  to 
meet,  or  were  better  able  to  meet  it. 

R.  Cecil. 


148 


May  27. 


May  28. 


149 


He  that  is  faithful  in  that  which  is  least  Is 
faithful  also  in  much.  —  Luke  xvi.  10. 

The  Lord  preservtth  the  faithful.  — V^,  xxxi.  23. 


The  trivial  round,  the  common  task, 
Would  furnish  all  we  ought  to  ask ; 
Rcx>m  to  deny  ourselves ;  a  road 
To  bring  us,  daily,  nearer  God. 


J.  Keble. 


"PXACTNESS  in  little  duties  is  a  wonderful 

"*^     source  of  cheerfulness. 

F.  W.  Faber. 

The  unremitting  retention  of  simple  and  high 

sentiments  in  obscure  duties  is  hardening  the 

character  to  that  temper  which  will  work  with 

honor,   if  need  be,   in  the  tumult  or  on  the 

scaffold. 

R.  W.  Emerson. 

We  are  too  fond  of  our  own  will.     We  want  to 

be  doing  what  we  fancy  mighty  things ;  but  the 

great  point  is,  to  do  small  things,  when  called  to 

them,  in  a  right  spirit. 

R.  Cecil. 

It  is  not  on  great  occasions  only  that  we  are 
required  to  be  faithful  to  the  will  of  God  ;  occa- 
sions constantly  occur,  and  we  should  be  sur- 
prised    to    perceive    how    much    our    spiritual 

advancement  depends  on  small  obediences. 

Madame  Swetchinr 


Strengthened  with  all  might,  according  to  His 
glorious  power,  unto  all  patience  and  long-suffering 
with  joy  fulness,  —  Col.  i.  ii. 


God  doth  not  need 
Either  man's  works  or  His  own  gifts  ;  who  best 
Bear  His  mild  yoke,  they  serve  Him  best ;  His  state 
Is  kingly;  thousands  at  His  bidding  speed, 
And  post  o*er  land  and  ocean  without  rest; 
They  also  serve  who  only  stand  and  wait. 

J.  Milton. 


^^l^E  cannot  always  be  doing  a  great  work, 
but  we  can  always  be  doing  something 
that  belongs  to  our  condition.  To  be  silent,  to 
sutler,  to  pray  wlien  we  cannot  act,  is  acceptable 
to  God.  A  disappointment,  a  contradiction,  a 
liarsh  word,  an  annoyance,  a  wrong  received  and 
liulured  as  in  His  presence,  is  worth  more  than 
a  long  prayer ;  and  we  do  not  lose  time  if  we 
I'car  its  loss  with  gentleness  and  patience,  pro- 
vided the  loss  was  inevitable,  and  was  not  caused 
I'y  our  own  fault, 

F^nelon 


150 


May  29. 


Be  not  slothful^  but  followers  of  them  who 
through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the  promises, 
—  Heb.  vi.  12 


Where  now  with  pain  thou  treadest,  trod 
The  whitest  of  the  saints  of  God  I 
To  show  thee  where  their  feet  were  set. 
The  light  which  led  them  shineth  yet. 

J.  G.  Whittier. 

T  ET  us  learn  from  tfiis  commiiiiion  of  saints 
^^  to  live  in  hope.  I'hose  who  are  now  at 
rest  were  once  like  ourselves.  They  were  once 
weak,  faulty,  sinful ;  they  had  their  burdens  and 
hindrances,  their  slumbering  and  weariness,  their 
failures  and  their  falls.  But  now  they  have  over- 
come. Their  life  was  once  homely  and  common- 
place. Their  day  ran  out  as  ours.  Morning  and 
noon  and  night  came  and  went  to  them  as  to  us. 
Their  life,  too,  was  as  lonely  and  sad  as  yours. 
IJttle  fretful  circumstances  and  frequent  disturb- 
ing changes  wasted  away  their  hours  as  yours. 
There  is  nothing  in  your  life  that  was  not  in 
theirs ;  there  was  nothing  in  theirs  but  may  be 
also  in  your  own.  They  have  overcome,  each 
one,  and  one  by  one  ;  each  in  his  turn,  when 
the  day  came,  and  Ciod  called  him  to  the  trial. 
And  so  shall  you  likewise. 

H.  E.  Manning. 


May  30. 


151 


And  thus  this  tnan  died,  leaving  his  death  for 
an  example  of  a  noble  courage,  and  a  memorial  of 
virtue,  not  only  unto  young  men,  but  unto  all  his 
nation.  —  2  Mac.  vi.  31. 

Zebulon  and  Naphtali  wer^  a  people  that  jeop- 
ardrd  their  lives  unto  the  death  in  the  high  places 
of  the  yield. — Judges  v.  18. 

Though  Love  repine,  and  Reason  chafe, 
There  came  a  voice  without  reply, — 

*Tis  man's  perdition  to  be  safe, 

When  for  the  truth  he  ought  to  die. 

R.  W.  Emerson. 

COME  say  that  the  age  of  chivalry  is  past. 
The  age  of  chivalry  is  never  past,  so  long 
as  there  is  a  wrong  left  unredressed  on  earth,  or 
a  man  or  woman  left  to  say,  "  I  will  redress  that 
w  rong,  or  spend  my  life  in  the  attempt."  The 
.i,L:e  of  chivalry  is  never  past,  so  long  as  we  have 
faith  enough  to  say,  "God  will  help  me  to  re- 
'Ircss  tliat  wrong ;  or,  if  not  me,  He  will  help 
J  hose  that  come  after  me,  for  His  eternal  Will  is 
to  overcome  evil  with  good." 

C.   KiNGSLEY. 

Thus  man  is  made  equal  to  every  event.  He 
<  an  nice  danger  for  the  right.  A  poor,  tender, 
] 'a infill  body,  he  can  run  into  flame  or  bullets  01 
pestilence,  with  duty  for  his  guide. 

R.  W.  Emerson. 


IS2 


May  31. 


June  1. 


I  S3 


Let  all  those  that  put  their  trust  in  Thee  re- 
joice:.  .  .  let  them  also  that  love  Thy  name  be  joy- 
ful in  Thee.  —  Ps.  v.  1 1 . 

He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures  — 
Ps.  xxiii.  2. 

I  CAN  hear  these  violets  chorus 
To  the  sky's  benediction  above ; 

And  we  all  are  together  lying 
On  the  bosom  of  Infinite  Love. 

Oh,  the  peace  at  the  heart  of  Nature ! 

Oh,  the  light  that  is  not  of  day  1 
Why  seek  it  afar  forever, 

When  it  cannot  be  lifted  away  ? 

W.  C.  Gannett. 

WHAT  inexpressible  joy  for  me,  to  look  up 
through  the  apple-blossoms  and  the  flut- 
tering leaves,  and  to  see  God's  love  there ;  to 
listen  to  the  thrush  that  has  built  his  nest  among 
them,  and  to  feel  God's  love,  who  cares  for  the 
birds,  in  every  note  that  swells  his  little  throat; 
to  look  beyond  to  the  bright  blue  depths  of  the 
sky,  and  feel  they  are  a  canopy  of  blessing,  — 
the  roof  of  the  house  of  my  Father ;  that  if 
clouds  pass  over  it,  it  is  the  unchangeable  light 
they  veil ;  that,  even  when  the  day  itself  passes, 
I  shall  see  that  the  night  itself  only  unveils  new 
worlds  of  light ;  and  to  know  that  if  I  could  un- 
wrap fold  after  fold  of  God's  universe,  I  should 
only  unfold  more  and  more  blessing,  and  see 
deeper  and  deeper  into  the  love  which  is  at  the 

heart  of  all. 

Elizabeth  Charles 


1 


One  thing  have  I  desired  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I 
^eek  after  J  that  I  may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life,  to  behold  the  beauty 
<jf  the  Lord^  and  to  enquire  in  His  temple.  —  Ps- 
xxvii.  4. 


Thy  beauty,  O  my  Father!  All  is  Thine; 

liut  there  is  beauty  in  Thyself,  from  whence 
The  beauty  Thou  hast  made  doth  ever  flow 

In  streams  of  never-failing  affluence. 

Thou  art  the  Temple  !  and  though  I  am  lame, — 
Lame  from  my  birth,  and  shall  be  till  I  die, — 

I  enter  through  the  Gate  called  Beautiful, 
And  am  alone  with  Thee,  O  Thou  Most  High ! 

J.  W.  Chadwick. 


r^ONSIDER  that  all  which  appears  beautiful 
outwardly,  is  solely  derived  from  the  invisi- 
ble Spirit  which  is  the  source  of  that  external 

icauty,  and  say  joyfully,  *' Behold,  these  are 
^ireamlets  from  the  uncreated  Fountain ;  behold, 
these  are  drops  from  the  infinite  Ocean  of  all 
-inod  !     Oh  !  how  does  my  inmost  heart  rejoice 

1  the  thought  of  that  eternal,  infinite  Beauty, 
which  is  the  source  and  origin  of  all  created 
beauty ! " 

L.   SCUPOLI. 


154 


June  2. 


We  all,  with  open  face^  beholding  as  in  a  glass 
the  glory  of  the  Lonl^  are  changed  into  the  same 
image,  from  glory  to  glory ^  even  as  by  the  Spirit  o/ 
the  Lord.  — 2  CoR.  iii.  :8. 


Then  every  tempting  form  of  sin, 
Shamed  in  Thy  i>resence,  disappears, 

And  all  the  glowing,  raptured  soul 
The  likeness  it  contemplates  wears. 

P.    DODDRIDGEI 

'X^HEN  does  a  good  man  become  the  taber- 
nacle of  God,  wherein  the  (hvine  Shechinah 
does  rest,  and  which  the  divine  glory  fills,  when 
the  frame  of  his  mind  and  life  is  wholly  accord- 
ing to  that  idea  and  pattern  which  he  receives 
from  the  mount.  We  best  glorify  Him  when 
we  grow  most  like  to  Him  :  and  we  then  act 
most  for  His  glory,  when  a  true  si)irit  of  sanctity, 
justice,  meekness,  etc.,  runs  through  all  our  ac- 
tions ;  when  we  so  live  in  the  world  as  becomes 
those  that  converse  witli  the  great  Mind  and 
Wisdom  of  the  whole  world,  with  that  Almighty 
Spirit  that  made,  supports,  and  governs  all  things, 
with  that  IJeing  from  whence  all  good  flows,  and 
in  which  there  is  no  spot,  stain,  or  shadow  of 
evil ;  and  so  being  captivated  and  overcome  by 
the  sense  of  the  Dixine  loveliness  and  goodness, 
endeavor  to  be  like  Him,  and  conform  ourselves, 
as  much  as  may  be,  to  Him. 

Dr.  John  Smith. 


June  3. 


155 


The  righteous  shall  be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and 
shall  trnst  in  Him.— Fs.  Ixiv.  10. 

IVhoso  trusteth  in  the  Lord,  happy  is  he,~^ 
I'rov.  xvi.  20. 

The  heart  that  trusts  forever  sings. 
And  feels  as  light  as  it  had  wings, 
A  well  of  peace  within  it  springs,  — 

Come  good  or  ill, 
Whate'er  to-day,  to-morrow  brings, 

It  is  His  will. 

I.  Williams. 

UE  will  weave  no  longer  a  spotted  life  of 
shreds  and  patches,  but  he  will  live  with 
a  divine  unity.  He  will  cease  from  what  is  base 
and  frivolous  in  his  life,  and  be  content  with  all 
I)laces,  and  with  any  service  he  can  render.  He 
will  calmly  front  the  morrow,  in  the  negligency 
t)f  that  trust  which  carries  God  Avith  it,  and  so 
hath  already  the  whole  future  in  the  bottom  of 
ihe  heart. 

R.  W.  Emerson. 

He  who  believes  in  God  is  not  careful  for  the 
morrow,  but  labors  joyfully  and  with  a  great 
licart.  "  For  He  giveth  His  beloved,  as  in  sleep." 
I'hey  must  work  and  watch,  yet  never  be  careful 
or  anxious,  but  conmnit  all  to  Him,  and  live  in 
vrone  tranquillity;  with  a  quiet  heart,  as  one 
who  sleeps  safely  and  quietly. 

Martin  Luther. 


156 


June  4. 


June  5. 


157 


Therefore^  my  beloved  brethren^  be  ye  stedfast^ 
unmoveable^  always  aboufidiui^  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord^  forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  your  labor  is  not 
in  vain  in  the  Lord.  —  i  CoR.  xv.  58. 

Say  not,  'T  was  all  in  vain, 

The  anguish  and  the  darkness  and  the  strife ; 
Love  thrown  upon  the  waters  comes  again 

In  quenchless  yearnings  for  a  nobler  life. 

Anna  Shipton. 

"T^ID  you  ever  hear  of  a  man  who  had  striven 
all  his  life  foithfully  and  singly  toward  an 
object  and  in  no  measure  obtained  it  ?  If  a  man 
constantly  aspires,  is  he  not  elevated  ?  Did  ever 
a  man  try  heroism,  magnanimity,  truth,  sincerity, 
and  find  that  there  was  no  advantage  in  them,  — 
that  it  was  a  vain  endeavor  ? 

H.   D.   TifOREAU. 

Do  right,  and  God's  recompense  to  you  will 

be  the  [)ou'er  of  doing  more  right,     (rive,  and 

God's  reward  to  you  will  l)e  tlic  spirit  of  givinu 

more  :  a  blessed  spirit,  for  it  is  the  Spirit  of  Gofi 

himself,  whose  Life  is  the  blessedness  of  giving. 

Love,  and  God  will  pay  you  with  the  caixu  it\ 

of  more  love ;  for  love  is  Heaven  —  love  is  God 

within  you. 

F.  W.  Robertson. 


Speak,  Lords  for  Thy  servant  heareth.  —  i  Sam. 
jii.  9. 

Though  heralded  with  nought  of  fear, 

( )r  outward  sign  or  show  : 
Though  only  to  the  inward  ear 

It  whispers  soft  and  low ; 
Though  dropping,  as  the  manna  fell, 

Unseen,  yet  from  above, 
Noiseless  as  dew-fall,  heed  it  well, — 

Thy  Father's  call  of  love. 

J.  G.  Whittier. 

•1^1118  is  one  result  of  the  attitude  into  which 
we  are  put  by  humility,  by  disinterested- 
ness, l)y  purity,  by  calmness,  that  we  have  the 
'portunity,  the  disengagement,  the  silence  in 
vhich  we  may  watch  what  is  the  will  of  God  con- 
rning  us.     If  we  think  no  more  of  ourselves 
ill  we  ought  to  think,  if  we  seek  not  our  own 
a  others'  welfare,  if  we  are  prepared  to  take  all 
•liings  as  God's  dealings  with  us,  then  we  may 
\e  a  chance   of  catching  from   time  to  time 
11  God  has  to  tell  us.     In  the  Mussulman  de- 
lions  one  constant  gesture  is  to  put  the  hands 
tlu-  ears,  as  if  to  listen  for  the  messages  from 
niher  world.    This  is  the  attitude,  the  posture 
IK  h  our  minds  assume,  if  we  have  a  standmg- 
loe  above  and  beyond  the  stir  and  confusion 
id  dissipation  of  this  mortal  world. 

A.  P.  Stanley 


158 


June  O. 


June  7. 


159 


Him  that  overcometh  will  I  make  a  pillar  in  the 
temple  of  my  God.  — Rev.  iii.  12. 

In  whom  ye  also  are  builded  together  for  an  habi- 
tation of  God  through  the  Spirit.  —  Eph.  ii.  22. 

None  the  place  ordained  refuseth. 
They  are  one,  and  they  are  all, 

Living  stones,  the  Builder  chooseth 
For  the  courses  of  his  wall. 

Jean  Ingelow. 

Q  LOWLY,  through  all  the  universe,  that  tenipk 
of  God  is  being  built.     Wherever,  in  any 
world,  a  soul,  by  free-willed  obedience,  catchcN 
the  fire  of  God's  likeness,  it  is  set  into  the  grow- 
ing walls,  a  living  stone.     When,  in  your  hanl 
fight,  in  your  tiresome  drudgery,  or  in  your  terri- 
ble temptation,  you  catch  the  purpose  of  your 
being,  and  give  yourself  to   God,    and  so  gi\' 
Him  the  chance  to  give  Himself  to  you,  your  lik-, 
a  living  stone,  is  taken  up  and  set  into  that  grou 
ingwall.  .  .  .  Wherever  souls  are  being  tried  ant  I 
ripened,  in  whatever  commonplace  and  homcK 
ways;  —  there  God  is  hewing  out  the  pillars  fc 
His  temple.    Oh,  if  the  stone  can  only  have  soni 
vision  of  the  temple  of  which  it  is  to  lie  a  par. 
forever,  what  patience  must  fill  it  as  it  feels  th( 
blows  of  the  hammer,  and  knows  that  success  fo' 
it  is  simply  to  let  itself  be  wrought   into  wha' 

shape  the  Master  wills. 

Phillips  Brook; 


Ve  are  all  the  children  of  light ,  and  the  children 
of  the  day.  —  i  Thess.  v.  5. 

Light  is  sozvnfor  the  rightcotts,  and  gladness  for 
(lie  upright  in  heart.  —  Ps.  xcvii.  1 1. 

Serene  will  be  our  days  and  bright, 
And  happy  will  our  nature  be, 

When  love  is  an  unerring  light, 
And  joy  its  own  security. 

W.  Wordsworth. 

"^OTHIXG  can  produce  so  great  a  serenity 

of  life,  as  a  mind  free  from  guilt,  and  kept 

untainted,  not  only  from  actions,  but  purposes 

^        th.it  are  wicked.     By  this  means  the  soul  will  be 

-H>t  only  unpolluted,  but  not  disturbed  ;  the  foun- 

i.iin  will  run  clear  and  unsullied,  and  the  streams 

that  How  from  it  will  be  just  and  honest  deeds, 

'  <  stasies  of  satisfaction,  a  brisk  energy  of  spirit, 

\\\\\v\\  makes  a  man  an  enthusiast  in  his  joy,  and 

.1  tenacious  memory,  sweeter  than  hope.     For  as 

>iinibs  which  are  cut    down  witli  the    morniuir 

'i'wnpon  ihem  do  for  a  long  time  after  retain 

icir  fragrancy,  so   the  good   actions  of  a  wise 

nan  perfinne  his  mind,  and  leave  a  rich  scent 

''<  hind  them.     So  that  joy  is,  as  it  were,  watered 

with  these  essences,  and  owes  its  flourishing  to 

'hem. 

Plutarch. 


l6o 


June  8. 


Who  hath  despised  the  day  of  small  things  f  -- 
Zech.  iv.  lo. 


Little  things 
On  little  wind's 
Bear  little  souls  to  heaven. 


Anon. 


AN  occasional  effort  even  of  an  ordinary  holi- 
ness may  accomplish  great  acts  of  sacri- 
fice, or  bear  severe  pressure  of  unwonted  trial, 
specially  if  it  be  the  subject  of  observation,  liui 
constant  discipline  in  unnoticed  ways,  and  the 
spirit's  silent  unselfishness,  becoming  the  hidden 
habit  of  the  life,  give  to  it  its  true  saintly  beauty, 
and  this  is  the  result  of  care  and  lowly  love  m 
little  things.  Perfection  is  attained  most  readily 
by  this  constancy  of  religious  fliithfulness  in  all 
minor  details  of  life,  consecrating  the  daily  efTort^ 

of  self-forgetting  love. 

*^  T.  T.  Carter 

Love's  secret  is  to  be  always  doing  things  for 
God,  and  not  to  mind  because  they  are    sucli 

very  little  ones. 

^  F.  W.  Fabek 

There  may  be  living  and  habitual  conversa 
tion  in  heaven,  under  the  as])e(  t  of  the  mo- 
simple,  ordinary  life.     Let  us  always  remembc  ' 
that  holiness  does  not  consist  in  doing  uncommoK 
things,  but  in  doing  everything  with  purity  o^ 

heart. 

H.  E.  Mannin< 


June  9. 


i6i 


He  that  is  slow  to  anger  is  better  than  the  mighty  ; 
and  he  that  ruleth  his  spirit  than  he  that  taketh  a 
city.  —  PROV.  xvi.  32. 

Purge  from  our  hearts  the  stains  so  deep  and  foul. 

Of  wrath  and  pride  and  care ; 
Send  Thine  own  holy  calm  upon  the  soul, 

And  bid  it  settle  there  1 

Anon. 

T  ET  this  truth  be  present  to  thee  in  the  ex- 
citement  of  anger,  —  that  to  be  moved  by 
passion  is  not  manly,  but  that  mildness  and  gen- 
tleness, as  they  are  more  agreeable  to  human 
nature,  so  also  are  they  more  manly.  .  .  .  P'or  in 
the  same  degree  in  which  a  man's  mind  is  nearer 
to  freedom  from  all  passion,  in  the  same  degree 

ilso  is  it  nearer  to  strength. 

Marcus  Antoninus. 

It  is  no  great  matter  to  associate  with  the 

»od  and  gentle,  for  this  is  naturally  pleasing  to 

ill,  and  every  one  willingly  enjoyeth  peace,  and 

'oveth  those  best  that  agree  with  him.     But  to 

c  able  to  live  peaceably  with  hard  and  perverse 

crsons,  or  with  the  disorderly,  or  with  such  as 

-*)  contrary  to  us,  is  a  great  grace,  and  a  most 

«  ummendable  and  manly  thing. 

Thomas  A.  Kempis 

II 


1 62 


June  10. 


June  11. 


163 


W/to  is  auiotii^  yoit  that  feareth  the  Lord,  that 
obeyeih  the  7'oice  of  His  servant,  that  waikcth  in 
darkness,  and  hath  no  light?  tet  him  trust  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  and  stay  upon  his  God.  —  Is  A. 
I.  10. 

The  Lord  my  God  will  enlighten  my  darkness. 
—  Ps.  xviii.  28. 

When  we  in  darkness  walk, 

Nor  feel  the  heavenly  flame, 
Then  is  the  time  to  trust  our  God, 

And  rest  upon  His  name. 

A.   M.   TOPLADY. 

TJTE  has  an  especial  tenderness  of  love  towards 
thee  for  that  thou  art  in  the  dark  and  hast 
no  light,  and  His  heart  is  glad  when  thou  dost 
arise  and  say,  **  I  will  go  to  my  Father."  For  He 
sees  thee  through  all  the  gloom  through  whic  h 
thou  canst  not  see  Him.  Say  to  Him,  "  My 
(jod,  I  am  very  dull  and  low  and  hard  ;  but 
Thou  art  wise  and  high  and  tender,  and  Thou 
art  my  God.  I  am  Thy  child.  Forsake  me  not." 
Then  fold  the  arms  of  thy  faith,  and  wait  in 
quietness  until  light  goes  up  in  the  darkness. 
Fold  the  arms  of  thy  Faith,  I  say,  but  not  of  tliy 
Action :  bethink  thee  of  something  that  thou 
oughtest  to  do,  and  go  and  do  it,  if  it  be  but  the 
sweeping  of  a  room,  or  the  preparing  of  a  meal, 
or  a  visit  to  a  friend ;  heed  not  thy  feelings  :  do 
thy  work. 

G.  MacDonald. 


/;/  the  day  when  I  cried  Thou  answeredst  me, 
and  strengthenedst  me  with  strength  in  my  soul.  — 
I's.  cxxxviii.  3. 

I  r  is  not  that  I  feel  less  weak,  but  Thou 
Wilt  be  my  strength ;  it  is  not  that  1  see 
Less  sin;  but  more  of  pardoning  love  with  Thee, 

And  all-sufficient  grace.     Enough  !     And  now 
All  fluttering  thought  is  stilled  ;  1  only  rest. 
And  feel  that  Thou  art  near,  and  know  that  I  am  blest. 

F.  R.  Havergal. 

V/'EA,  though  thou  canst  not  believe,  yet  be 
not  dismayed  thereat ;  only  do  thou  sink 
into,  or  at  least  pant  after  the  hidden  measure  of 
life,  which  is  not  in  that  which  distresseth,  dis- 
mrl)eth,  and  filleth  thee  with  thoughts,  fears, 
troubles,  anguish,  darknesses,  terrors,  and  the 
!!ke;  no,  no  !  but  in  that  which  inclines  to  the 
patience,  to  the  stillness,  to  the  hope,  to  the  wait- 
ing, to  the  silence  before  the  Father. 

I.  Penington. 

We  have  only  to  be  patient,  to  pray,  and  to 

:to  His  will,  according  to  our  present  light  and 

strength,  and  the  growth  of  the  soul  will  go  on. 

The  plant  grows  in  the  mist  and  under  clouds  as 

ruly  as  under  sunshine.     So  does  the  heavenly 

J  principle  within. 

W.  E.  Channing. 


164 


June  12. 


June  13. 


165 


If 


Then  answered  he  me,  and  said.  This  is  the  con- 
dition of  the  battle  luhich  man  that  is  born  upon  the 
earth  shall  fight ;  that,  if  he  be  overcome,  he  shall 
suffer  as  thou  hast  said:  but  if  he  get  the  victory, 
he  shall  receive  the  thing  that  I  say.  —  2  Esdkas 
vii.  57,  58. 

One  holy  Church,  one  army  strong, 

One  steadfast  high  intent, 
One  working  band,  one  harvest-song. 

One  King  omnipotent. 

S.  Johnson. 

TlfE  listened  to  a  man  whom  we  felt  to  be, 

^^      with  all  his  heart  and  soul  and  strength, 

striving  against  whatever  was  mean  and  uimianly 

and  unrighteous  in  our  litde  world.     It  was  not 

the  cold  clear  voice  of  one   giving  advice  and 

warning  from  serene  heights  to  those  who  were 

struggling  and  sinning  below,  but  the  warm  living 

voice  of  one  who  was  fighting  for  us  and  by  our 

sides,  and  calling  on  us  to  heli)  him  and  ourseK'cs 

and  one  another.     And  so,  wearily  and  Httle  by 

little,  but  surely  and  steadily  on  the  whole,  was 

brought  home  to  the  young  boy,  for  the  first  time, 

the  meaning  of  his  life ;  that  it  was  no  fool's  or 

sluggard's  paradise  into  which  he  had  wandered 

by  chance,  but  a  battle-field  ordained  from  of 

old,   where   there   are    no   spectators,    but    the 

youngest  must  take  his  side,  and  the  stakes  are 

life  and  death. 

Thomas  Hughes. 


H 


If  we  walk  in  the  light  as  He  is  in  the  light,  we 
have  fellowship  one  with  another,  —  i  John  i.  7. 

God  is  not  unrighteous  to  forget  your  work  a?id 
labor  of  love,  which  ye  have  showed  toward  His 
name,  in  that  ye  have  ministered  to  tne  saints,  and 
do  minister.  —  Heb.  vi.  10. 

Wherever  in  the  world  I  am, 

In  whatsoe'er  estate, 
I  have  a  fellowshij)  with  hearts, 

To  kcej)  and  cultivate, 
And  a  work  of  lowly  love  to  do 

Yox  the  Lord  on  whom  I  wait. 

A.  L.  Waring. 

Tl^E  do  not  always  perceive  that  even  the 
writing  of  a  note  of  congratulation,  the 
fabrication  of  something  intended  as  an  offering 
of  affection,  our  necessary  intercourse  with  char- 
..cters  which  have  no  congeniality  with  our  own, 
or  hours  ai)i)arendy  trifled  away  in  the  domestic 
<  ircle,  may  be  made  by  us  the  performance  of  a 
iiiost  sacred  and  blessed  work;  even  the  carrv- 
ing  out,  after  our  feeble  measure,  of  the  design  of 
t  iod  for  the  increase  of  happiness. 

Anna,  or  Passages  from  Home  Life. 

Definite  work  is  not  always  that  which  is  cut 
•md  squared  for  us,  but  that  which  comes  as  a 
claim  upon  the  conscience,  whether  it  *s  nursing 
in  a  hospital,  or  hemming  a  handkerchief. 

Elizaketh  M.  Sfweli- 


t66 


June  14. 


The  Lord  shall  gii'e  thee  rest  from  thy  sorrow^ 
and  from  thy  fear,  and  from  the  hard  bondage 
wherein  thou  wast  made  to  serve.  —  Is  A.  xiv.  3. 


i! 


Today,  beneath  Thy  chastening  eye, 
I  crave  alone  for  peace  and  rest ; 
Submissive  in  Thy  hand  to  lie, 
And  feel  that  it  is  best. 

J.  G.  Whittier. 

OLORD,  who  art  as  the  Shadow  of  a  great 
Rock  in  a  weary  land,  who  beholdest  Thy 
weak  creatures  weary  of  labor,  weary  of  pleasure, 
weary  of  hope  deferred,  weary  of  self;  in  Thine 
alnmdant  comi)assion,  and  unutterable  tenderness, 

bring  us,  1  pray  Thee,  unto  Thy  rest.     Amen. 

Christina  G.  Rosseiti. 

Grant  to  me  above  all  things  that  can  be  de- 
sired, to  rest  in  Thee,  and  in  Thee  to  have  my 
heart  at  peace.  Thou  art  the  true  peace  of 
the  heart,  Thou  its  only  rest ;  out  of  Thee  all 
things  are  hard  and  restless.  In  this  very  peace, 
that  is,  in  Thee,  the  One  Chiefest  Eternal  Good, 

I  will  sleep  and  rest.     Amen. 

Thomas  A  Kempis. 

Thou  hast  made  us  for  Thyself,  O  Ix)rd ;  and 

our  heart  is  restless  until  it  rests  in  Thee. 

St.  Augustine. 


June  15. 


167 


God  is  our  refuge  and  strength^  a  very  present 
help  in  trouble.  Therefore  will  not  we  fear,  though 
the  earth  be  removed,  and  thou<rh  the  mountains  be 
carried  into  the  midst  of  the  sea.  —  Ps.  xlvi.  i,  2. 


Though  waves  and  storms  go  o'er  my  head, 

Though  strength  and  health  and  friends  be  gone, 

Tliough  joys  be  withered  all,  and  dead, 
Though  every  comfort  be  withdrawn, 

On  this  my  steadfast  soul  relies, — 
Father  !  Thy  mercy  never  dies. 

JOHANN   A.    ROTHE. 

X/'OUR  external  circumstances  may  change,  toil 
may  take  the  place  of  rest,  sickness  of 
health,  trials  may  thicken  within  and  without. 
Internally,  you  are  the  i)rey  of  such  circum- 
stances ;  but  if  your  heart  is  stayed  on  God,  no 
changes  or  chances  can  touch  it,  and  all  that 
may  befall  you  will  but  draw  you  closer  to  Him. 
Whatever  the  present  moment  may  bring,  your 
knowledge  that  it  is  His  will,  and  that  your 
future  heavenly  life  will  be  influenced  by  it,  will 
make  all  not  only  tolerable,  but  welcome  to  you, 
vhile  no  vicissitudes  can  affect  you  greatly,  know- 
ing that  He  who  holds  you  in  His  powerful  hand 
cannot  change,  but  abideth  forever. 

Jean  Nicolas  Grou 


> 


1 68 


June  16. 


June  17. 


169 


!ii 


1 

I 


Now  unto  Him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abun- 
dantly above  all  that  we  ask  or  think,  according  to 
the  power  that  worketh  in  us,  unto  Him  be  glory ^ 
throu^'hoHt  all  ai^es,  world  without  end.  Amen.  — 
Era.  iii.  20,  21. 


We  would  not  meagre  gifts  down-call 
When  Thou  dost  yearn  to  yield  us  all ; 
But  for  this  life,  this  little  hour, 
Ask  all  Thy  love  and  care  and  power. 

J.  Ingelow. 


(^OD  so  loveth  us  that  He  would  make  all 
^  things  channels  to  us  and  messengers  ot 
His  love.  Do  for  His  sake  deeds  of  love,  and 
He  will  give  thee  His  love.  Still  thyself,  thy 
own  cares,  thy  own  thoughts  for  Him,  and  He 
will  speak  to  thy  heart.  Ask  for  Himself,  and 
He  will  give  thee  Himself.  Truly,  a  secret 
hidden  thing  is  the  love  of  (iod,  known  only  to 
them  who  seek  it,  and  to  them  also  secret,  for 
what  man  can  have  of  it  here  is  how  slight  a 
foretaste  of  that  endless  ocean  of  His  love  1 

E.   B.   PUSEY. 


Consider  the  lilies  of  thejield,  how  they  grow.  — 
Matt.  vi.  28. 

They  do  not  toil : 
Content  with  their  allotted  task 
They  do  but  grow ;  they  do  not  ask 
A  richer  lot,  a  liigher  sphere, 
But  in  their  loveliness  appear, 
And  grow,  and  smile,  and  do  their  best, 
And  unto  God  they  leave  the  rest. 

Marianne  Farningham. 

INTERPOSE  no  barrier  to  His  mighty  life- 
giving  power,  working  in  you  all  the  good 
pleasure  of  His  will.  Yield  yourself  up  utterly 
to  His  sweet  control.  Put  your  growing  into 
J  lis  hands  as  completely  as  you  have  put  all  your 
other  affairs.  Suffer  Him  to  manage  it  as  He 
will.  Do  not  concern  yourself  about  it,  nor  even 
ttiink  of  it.  Trust  Him  absolutely  and  always. 
Accept  each  moment's  dispensation  as  it  comes 
to  you  from  His  dear  hands,  as  being  the  needed 
sunshine  or  dew  for  that  moment's  growth.     Say 

a  continual  "  yes  "  to  your  Father's  will. 

H.  W.  S. 

Thine  own  self-will  and  anxiety,  thy  hurry  and 

ia'bor,  disturb  thy  peace  and   prevent  Me  from 

working  in  thee.     Look  at  the  little  flowers,  in 

the   serene    summer    days ;    they   cpiietly   open 

iheir  petals,  and  the  sun  shines  into  them  with 

his  gentle  influences.     So  will  I  do  for  thee,  if 

tliou  wilt  yield  thyself  to  Me. 

G.  Tersteegen 


I70 


June  18. 


June  19. 


171 


Wherefore,  if  God  so  clothe  the  grass  of  the  fields 
which  to-day  is,  and  to-morrow  is  cast  into  the 
oven,  shall  He  not  much  more  clothe  you,  O  ye  of 
little  faith  ? —  Matt.  vi.  30. 

/  trust  in  the  mercy  of  God  for  ever  and  ei.'er.  — 
Fs.  lii.  8. 

Calmly  we  look  behind  us,  on  joys  and  sorrows  past, 
We  know  that  all  is  mercy  now,  and  shall  be  well  at 

last  ; 
Calmly  we  look  before  us,  —  we  fear  no  future  ill, 
Enough  for  safety  and  for  peace,  if  Thou  art  with  us 

still. 

Jane  IJortiiwick. 

"^[EITHER  go  back  in  fear  and  misgiving  to 
the  past,  nor  in  anxiety  and  forecasting  to 
the  future ;  but  lie  quiet  under  His  hand,  having 
no  will  but  His. 

H.  E.  Manning. 

I  SAW  a  delicate  flower  had  grown  up  two  feet 
high,  between  tlie  horses'  path  and  the  wheel- 
track.  An  inch  more  to  right  or  left  had  sealed 
its  fate,  or  an  inch  higher;  and  yet  it  lived  to 
flourish  as  much  as  if  it  had  a  thousand  acres  of 
untrodden  space  around  it,  and  never  knew  the 
danger  it  incurred.  It  did  not  borrow  trouble, 
nor  invite  an  evil  fate  by  apprehending  it. 

Henry  D.  Thoreac 


The  Lord  shall  preserife  thee  from  all  evil:  Hk 
shall  preserve  thy  soul.  —  Ps.  cxxi.  7. 

Under  Thy  wings,  my  God,  T  rest. 

Under  Thy  shadow  safely  lie  ; 
By  Thy  own  strength  in  peace  possessed, 

While  dreaded  evils  pass  me  by. 

A.  L.  Waring. 

A  HEART  rejoicing  in  God  delights  in  all 
His  will,  and  is  surely  provided  with  the 
most  firm  joy  in  all  estates ;  for  if  nothing  can 
come  to  pass  beside  or  against  His  will,  then 
cannot  that  soul  be  vexed  which  delights  in  Him 
and  hath  no  will  but  His,  but  follows  Him  in  all 
times,  in  all  estates;  not  only  when  He  shines 
bright  on  them,  but  when  they  are  clouded. 
That  flower  which  follows  the  sun  doth  so  even 
in  dark  and  cloudy  days  :  when  it  doth  not  shine 
forth,  yet  it  follows  the  hidden  course  and  motion 
of  it.  So  the  soul  that  moves  after  God  keeps 
that  course  when  He  hides  His  face  ;  is  content, 
yea,  even  glad  at  His  will  in  all  estates  or  condi- 
tions or  events. 

R.  Leighton, 

Let  God  do  with  me  what  He  will,  anything 
He  vv^ill ;  whatever  it  be,  it  will  be  either  heaven 
itself  or  some  beginning  of  it. 

Wm.    MOUNTFOJOI 


172 


June  20. 


-  Be  merciful  unto  jne,  O  God,  be  merciful  unto 
me:  for  my  soul  trustcth  in  Thee:  yea,  m  the 
shadow  of  Thy  wings  will  I  make  my  refuge,  until 
these  calamities  be  overpast.  —  Ps.  Ivii.  i. 


My  God!  in  whom  are  all  the  springs 

Of  boundless  love  and  grace  unknown, 

Hide  me  beneath  Thy  spreading  wings, 

Till  the  dark  cloud  is  overblown. 

I.  Watts. 

IN  time  of  trouble  go  not  out  of  yourself  to 
seek  for  aid ;  for  the  whole  benefit  of  trial 
consists  in  silence,  patience,  rest,  and  resigna- 
tion. In  this  condition  divine  strength  is  found 
for  the  hard  warfare,  because  God  Himself 
fights  for  the  soul. 

^  M.   MOLINOS. 

In  vain  will  you  let  yotir  mind  nm  out  after 
help  in  times  of  trouble  ;  it  is  like  putting  to  sea 
in  a  storm.  Sit  still,  and  fed  after  your  princi- 
ples ;  and,  if  you  fmd  none  that  furnish  you  with 
somewhat  of  a  stay  and  prop,  and  which  point 
you  to  quietness  and  silent  submission,  depend 
upon  it  you  have  never  yet  learned  Truth  from 
the  Spirit  of  Truth,  whatever  notions  thereof  }  uu 
may  have   picked  up  from  this  and   the  other 

description  of  it.  ,,    .    ,, 

^  M.  A.  Kelty. 


June  21. 


173 


Thou  calledst  in  trouble^  and  I  delivered  thee.  — 
Ps.  Ixxxi.  7. 

Be  strong,  and  of  good  courage;  dread  not,  nor 
be  dismayed. —  i  Chron.  xxii.  13. 


Thou  canst  calm  the  troubled  mind, 

Thou  its  dread  canst  still ; 
Teach  me  to  be  all  resigned 

To  my  Father's  will. 

Heinrich  Puchta. 


'X* HOUGH  this  patient,  meek  resignation  is  to 
be  exercised  with  regard  to  all  outward 
things  and  occurrences  of  life,  yet  it  chiefly  re- 
spects our  own  inward  state,  the  troubles,  per- 
jilexities,  weaknesses,  and  disorders  of  our  own 
souls.  And  to  stand  turned  to  a  patient,  meek, 
humble  resignation  to  God,  when  your  own  im- 
]>atience,  wrath,  pride,  and  irresignation  attack 
vDurself,  is  a  higher  and  more  beneficial  per- 
Ibrmance  of  this  duty,  than  when  you  stand 
turned  to  meekness  and  patience,  when  attacked 
i'V  the  pride,  or  wrath,  or  disorderly  passions  of 

other  people. 

Wm.  Law 


174 


June  22. 


June  23. 


^75 


til 


ll 


There  hath  no  temptation  taken  yo?*,  hut  such  at 
is  common  to  man :  but  Gud  is  faithful,  who  will 
not  suffer  you  to  be  tempteii  abo7'e  that  ye  are  able.: 
hut  will  with  the  temptation  also  make  a  way  to 
escape,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  bear  it.  —  i  CoR.  x. 

Not  so,  not  so,  no  load  of  woe 
Need  bring  despairing  frown  ; 

For  while  we  bear  it,  we  can  bear. 
Past  that,  we  lay  it  down. 

Sarah  Williams. 

"PVERYTHING  which  happens,  either  hap- 
pens  in  such  wise  that  thou  art  formed  by 
nature  to  l^ar  it,  or  that  thou  art  not  formed  hy 
nature  to  bear  it.  If  then,  it  happens  to  thee  m 
such  way  that  thou  art  formed  by  nature  to  bear 
it,  do  not  complain,  but  bear  it  as  thou  art 
formed  by  nature  to  bear  it.  But,  if  it  happens 
in  such  wise  that  thou  art  not  able  to  bear  it,  d(  > 
not  complain  \  for  it  will  perish  after  it  has  con- 
sumed thee.  Remember,  however,  that  thou  an 
formed  by  nature  to  l)ear  everythiuL;,  with  resi)ert 
to  which  it  depends  on  thy  own  opinion  to  maki 
it  endurable  and  tolerable,  by  thinking  that  it  i 
either  thy  interest  or  thy  duty  to  do  this. 

Marcus  Antoninus. 


Why  art  thou  cast  down^  O  ?ny  soul?  and  why 
art  thou  disquieted  within  me  ?  hope  thou  in  God: 
for  I  shall  yet  praise  Him,  who  is  the  health  of  my 
countenance,  and  my  God.  —  Ps.  xlii.  1 1. 

Ah  !  why  by  passing  clouds  opi)rcssed. 
Should  vexing  thoughts  distract  thy  breast : 
Turn  thou  to  Him  in  every  pain, 
Whom  never  suppliant  sought  in  vain ; 
Thy  strength  in  joy's  ecstatic  day, 
Thy  hope,  when  joy  has  passed  away. 

II.  F.  Lyte. 

DEWARE  of  letting  your  care  degenerate  into 
^^  anxiety  and  unrest;  tossed  as  you  are 
amid  the  winds  and  waves  of  sundry  troubles, 
keep  your  eyes  fixed  on  the  Lord,  and  say,  "  Oh, 
my  God,  I  look  to  Thee  alone  ;  be  I'hou  my 
i;ui(le,  my  pilot  ;  "  and  then  be  comforted. 
When  the  shore  is  gained,  who  will  heed  the  toil 
nnd  the  storm  ?  And  we  shall  steer  safely  through 
c\'ery  storm,  so  long  as  our  heart  is  right,  our  in- 
tention fervent,  our  courage  steadfast,  and  our 
trust  fixed  on  God.  If  at  times  we  are  some- 
what stunned  by  the  tempest,  never  fear  ;  let  us 
lake  breath,  and  go  on  afresh.  Do  not  be  dis- 
'  uncerted  by  the  fits  of  vexation  and  uneasiness 
u  hich  are  sometimes  [)roduced  by  the  multiplicity 
uf  your  domestic  worries.  No  indeed,  dearest 
*  liild,  all  these  are  l)ut  opportunities  of  strength- 
'iiing  yourself  in  the  loving,  forbearing  graces 
which  our  dear  Lord  sets  before  us. 

Francis  de  Sales. 


!' 


176 


June  24. 


1^ 


ii 


Even  so,  Father,  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  Thy 
sight.  —  Matt.  xi.  26. 

Let  nothing  make  thee  sad  or  fretful, 

Or  too  regretful ; 

Be  still  ; 

Wliat  God  hath  ordered  must  be  right, 

Then  find  in  it  thine  own  delight, 

Mv  will. 

P.  Flemming. 


I 


F  we  listen  to  our  self-love,  we  shall  estimate 
our  lot  less  by  what  it  is,  than  by  what  it  is 
not ;  shall  dwell  on  its  hindrances,  and  be  blind 
to  its  possibilities ;  and,  comparing  it  only  with 
ima-inary  lives,  shall  indulge  in  tlattering  dreams 
of  what  we  should  do,  if  we  had  but  power ;  and 
ivive,  if  we  had  but  wealth  ;  and  be,  it  we  had  no 
temptations.     We    shall   be    forever  querulously 
pleading  our  difficulties  and  privations  as  excuses 
for  our  unloving  temper  and  untruittul  life  ;  and 
fancving  ourselves  injured  beings,  virtually  frown- 
ing at  die  dear  Providence  that  loves  us,  and 
chafing  with  a  self-torture  which  invites  no  pity. 
If  we  yield  ourselves  unto  God,  and  sincerely 
accept  our   lot   as  assigned  by   Him,  we  shall 
count  up  its  contents,  and  disregard  its  omissions  ; 
and  be  it  as  feeble  as  a  cripple's,  and  as  narrow 
as  a  child's,  shall  find  in  it  resources  of  good 
surpassing  our  best  economy,  and  sacred  claim> 
that  may  keep  awake  our  highest  will. 

J.  Martineau 


June  25. 


177 


My  times  are  in  Thy  hand.  —  Ps.  xxxi.  15. 
Every  purpose  of  the  Lord  shall  be  performed' 
-JER.  li.  29. 

I  AM  SO  glad  !     It  is  such  rest  to  know 

That  Thou  hast  ordered  and  appointed  all, 

And  wilt  yet  order  and  appoint  my  lot. 

For  though  so  much  I  cannot  understand, 

And  would  not  choose,  has  been,  and  yet  may  be, 

Thou  choosest,  Thou  performest,  Thou,  my  Lord. 

This  is  enough  for  me. 

F.  R.  IIavergal. 


'* \17E  mustn't  be  in  a  hurry  to  fix  and  choose 
our  own  lot ;  we  must  wait  to  be  guided. 
We  are  led  on,  like  the  little  children,  by  a  way 
that  we  know  not.  It  is  a  vain  thought  to  flee 
from  the  work  that  Cxod  appoints  us,  for  the  sake 
of  finding  a  greater  blessing  to  our  own  souls  ;  as 
if  we  could  choose  for  ourselves  where  we  shall 
find  the  fulness  of  the  Divine  Presence,  instead 
of  seeking  it  where  alone  it  is  to  be  found,  in 


loving  obedience." 


George  Eliot. 


Everywhere  and  at  all  times  it  is  in  thy 
])Ower  piously  to  acquiesce  in  thy  present  con- 
dition, and  to  behave  justly  to  those  who  are 


about  thee. 


Marcus  Antoninus 


178 


June  26. 


I 


And  when  ye  stand  praying,  forgive^  ^f  y^  have 
aught  against  any ;  that  your  Father  also  which  is 
in  heaven  may  forgive  you  your  trespasses.  But 
if  ye  do  not  forgive,  neither  will  your  Father  which 
is  in  heaven  forgive  your  trespasses.  —  Mark  xi. 

2S,  26. 

•T  IS  not  enough  to  weep  my  sins, 
'T  is  but  one  step  to  heaven  :  — 

When  I  am  kind  to  others,  —  then 
I  know  myself  forgiven. 

F.  W.  Fauer. 

T^VERY  relation  to  mankind,  of  hate  or  scorn 
"^  or  neglect,  is  full  of  vexation  and  torment. 
There  is  nothing  to  do  with  men  but  to  love 
them  ;  to  contemplate  their  virtues  with  admira- 
tion, their  faults  with  pity  and  forbearance,  and 
their  injuries  with  forgiveness.  Task  all  the  in- 
genuity of  your  mind  to  devise  some  other  thing, 
but  you  never  can  find  it.  To  hate  your  adver- 
sary will  not  help  you  ;  to  kill  him  will  not  help 
you  ;  nothing  within  the  compass  of  the  universe 
can  help  you,  but  to  love  him.  But  let  that  love 
flow  out  upon  all  around  you,  and  what  could 
harm  you  ?  How  many  a  knot  of  mystery  and 
misunderstanding  would  be  untied  by  one  word 
spoken  in  simple  and  confiding  truth  of  heart ! 
How  many  a  solitary  place  would  be  made  glad 
if  love  were  there ;  and  how  many  a  dark  dwell- 
ing would  be  filled  with  light ! 

Orvillk  Dewey. 


:!* 


June  27. 


179 


The  kingdom  of  God  is  within  you.  —  Luke 
xvii.  21. 

Oh,  take  this  heart  that  I  would  give 

Forever  to  be  all  Thine  own  ; 
I  to  myself  no  more  would  live, — 

Come,  Lord,  l:)e  Thou  my  King  alone. 

G.  Tersteegen. 

TJ'  ERE  IN  is  the  work  assigned  to  the  individ- 
^  ^  ual  soul,  to  have  life  in  itself,  to  make  our 
sphere,  whatever  it  is,  sufficient  for  a  reign  of 
(Jod  within  ourselves,  for  a  true  and  full  reign  of 
our  Father's  abounding  spirit,  —  thankful,  unut- 
terably thankful,  if  with  the  place  and  the  com- 
panionship assigned  to  us  we  are  permitted  to 
build  an  earthly  tabernacle  of  grace  and  good- 
ness and  holy  love,  a  home  like  a  temple ;  but, 
should  this  be  denied  us,  resolved  for  our  own 
souls  that  (iod  shall  reign  there,  for  ourselves  at 
least  that  we  will  not,  by  sin  or  disobedience  or 
impious  distrust,  break  with  our  Own  wills  our 
filial  connection  with  our  Fadier,  —  that  whether 
joyful  or  sorrowing,  struggling  with  the  perplexity 
and  foulness  of  circumstance,  or  in  an  atmos- 
])here  of  peace,  whether  in  dear  fellowship  or 
alone,  our  desire  and  prayer  shall  be  that  God 
may  have  in  us  a  realm  where  His  will  is  law,  and 
where  obedience  and  submission  spring,  not  from 
calculating  prudence  or  ungodly  fear,  but  from 
communion  of  spirit,  ever  humble  aspiration, 

and  ever  loving  trust. 

J.  H.  Thom. 


i8o 


Jtine  28. 


June  29. 


i8i 


it 


ill 


I 


ITie  Lord preserveth  the  simple,  —  Ps.  cxvi.  6. 


Thy  home  is  with  the  humble,  Lord  I 

The  simple  are  Thy  rest ; 
Thy  lodging  is  in  childlike  hearts ; 

Thou  makest  there  Thy  nest 

F.  W.  Fabeil 


'T^HIS  deliverance  of  the  soul  from  all  useless 
-■•  and  selfish  and  unciuiet  cares,  brings  to  it 
an  unspeakable  peace  and  freedom;  this  is 
true  simplicity.  This  state  of  entire  resignation 
and  perpetual  acquiescence  produces  true  lib- 
erty;  and  this  liberty  brings  perfect  simplicity. 
The  soul  which  knows  no  self-seeking,  no  inter- 
ested ends,  is  thoroughly  candid  ;  it  goes  straight 
forward  without  hindrance  ;  its  path  opens  daily 
more  and  more  to  "  perfect  day,"  in  proportion 
as  its  self-renunciation  and  its  self-forgetfulness 
increase ;  and  its  peace,  amid  whatever  troubles 
beset  it,  will  be  as  boundless  as  the  depths  of  the 

sea. 

Feneloh 


Let  not  him  that  girdeth  on  his  harness  boast 
himself  as  he  that  put  teth  itoff.~\  Kings  xx.  i  i. 

Put  on  the  whole  armor  of  God.  —  Eph.  vi.  1 1. 

Was  I  not  girded  for  the  battle-field  ? 
Bore  I  not  helm  of  pride  and  glittering  sword  ? 
Behold  the  fragments  of  my  broken  shield, 
And  lend  to  me  Thy  heavenly  armor,  Lord  ! 

Anon. 

/^H,  be  at  least  able  to  say  in  that  day, — 
^-^  Lord,  I  am  no  hero.  I  have  been  care- 
less, cowardly,  sometimes  all  but  mutinous. 
Punishment  I  have  deserved,  I  deny  it  not. 
But  a  traitor  I  have  never  been  ;  a  deserter  I 
have  never  been.  I  have  tried  to  fight  on  Thy 
side  in  Thy  battle  against  evil.  1  have  tried  to 
do  the  duty  which  lay  nearest  me ;  and  to  leave 
whatever  Thou  didst  commit  to  my  charge  a 
little  better  than  I  found  it.  1  have  not  been 
good,  but  I  have  at  least  tried  to  be  good. 
Take  the  will  for  the  deed,  good  Lord.  Strike 
not  my  unworthy  name  off  the  roll-call  of  the 
noble  and  victorious  army,  which  is  the  blessed 
company  of  all  faithful  people  ;  and  let  me,  too, 
be  found  written  in  the  Book  of  Life  ;  even  though 
1  stand  the  lowest  and  last  upon  its  list.     Amen. 

C.  KiNGSLEY- 


l82 


June  30. 


July  1. 


1 33 


' 


•I; 


III 


And  the  work  of  righteousness  shall  be  peact ; 
and  the  effect  of  righteousness^  quietness  and  assur- 
ance forever.  —  Is  A.  xxxii.  17. 


The  heart  that  ministers  for  Thee 

In  Thy  own  work  will  rest ; 
And  the  subject  spirit  of  a  child 
Can  serve  Thy  children  best. 

A.  L.  Waring. 


TT  matters  not  where  or  what  we  are,  so  we  be 

-*■     His  servants.    They  are  happy  who  have  a 

wide  fieltl  and  great  strength  to  fulfil  His  mis- 

sions  of  compassion ;  and  they,  too,  are  blessed 

who,  in  sheltered  homes  and   narrow  ways  of 

duty,  wait  upon  Him  in  lowly  services  of  love. 

Wise  or  simple,  gifted  or  slender  in  knowledge, 

in   the  world's  gaze   or  in   hidden   paths,  high 

or  low,  encompassed  by  affections  and  joys  of 

home,  or  lonely  and  content  in  God  alone,  what 

matters,  so  that  they  bear  the  seal  of  the  living 

God?     Blessed    company,   unknown    to    each 

other,   unknowing  even  themselves ! 

H.  E.  Manning. 


In  the  mornin(^,  then  ye  shall  see  the  glory  of  the 
Lord.  —  Ex.  xvi.  7. 

Serving  the  Lord;  rejoicing  in  hope.  —  ROxM. 
xii.  II,  12. 


Every  day  is  a  fresh  beginning, 

Every  morn  is  the  world  made  new. 

You  who  are  weary  of  sorrow  and  sinning, 

Here  is  a  beautiful  hope  for  you  ; 

A  hope  for  me  and  a  hope  for  you. 

Susan  Coolidge. 


13  E  patient  with  every  one,  but  above  all  with 
yourself.  I  mean,  do  not  be  disturbed  be- 
cause of  your  imperfections,  and  always  rise  up 
bravely  from  a  flill.  I  am  glad  that  you  make  a 
daily  new  beginning ;  there  is  no  better  means 
of  progress  in  the  spiritual  life  than  to  be  contin- 
ually beginning  afresh,  and  never  to  think  that 
we  have  done  enough. 

Francis  de  Sales. 

Because  perseverance  is  so  difficult,  even 
when  supported  by  the  grace  of  God,  thence  is 
the  value  of  new  beginnings.  For  new  begin- 
nings are  the  life  of  perseverance. 

E.  Be  PUSEY 


1 84 


July  2. 


l 


Herein  do  I  exercise  myself^  to  have  always  a 
conscience  void  of  offence  toward  God^  and  toward 
men.  — Acts  xxiv.  i6. 

/  will  instruct  thee  and  teach  thee  in  the  way 
which  thou  shall  go;  I  will  guide  thee  with  mine 
eye,  —  Ps.  xxxii.  8. 

Oh,  keep  thy  conscience  sensitive ; 

No  inward  token  miss  ; 
And  go  where  grace  entices  thee ;  — 

Perfection  lies  in  this. 

F.  W.  Faber 

T17E  need  only  obey.     There  is  guidance  for 
^^       each  of  us,  and  by  lowly  listening  we 

shall  hear  the  right  word. 

R.  W.  Emerson. 

The  heights  of  Christian  perfection  can  only 
be  reached  by  faithfully  each  moment  following 
the  Guide  who  is  to  lead  you  there,  and  He  re- 
veals your  way  to  you  one  step  at  a  time,  in  the 
litde  things  of  your  daily  lives,  asking  only  on 
your  part  that  you  yield  yourselves  up  to  His 
guidance.  If  then,  in  anything  you  feel  doubt- 
ful or  troubled,  be  sure  that  it  is  the  voice  of 
your  Lord,  and  surrender  it  at  once  to  His  bid- 
ding, rejoicing  with  a  great  joy  that  He  has  be- 
gun thus  to  lead  and  guide  you. 

H.  W.  S. 


July  3. 


i8s 


He  shall  redeem  Israel  from  all  his  iniquities, 
—  Ps.  cxxx.  8. 

Be  it  according  to  Thy  word ; 

Redeem  me  from  all  sin  ; 
My  heart  would  now  receive  Thee,  Lord, 

Come  in,  my  Lord,  come  in  I 

C.  Wesley. 

V\7HEN  you  wake,  or  as  soon  as  you  are 
dressed,  offer  up  your  whole  self  to  God, 
soul  and  body,  thoughts  and  purposes  and  de- 
sires, to  be  for  that  day  what  He  wills.  Think 
of  the  occasions  of  the  sin  likely  to  befall  you, 
and  go,  as  a  child,  to  your  Father  which  is  in 
heaven,  and  tell  Him  in  childlike,  simple  words, 
your  trials  —  in  some  such  simple  words  as 
these  — "  Thou  knowest,  good  Lord,  that  I  am 
tempted  to — \jhcn  name  the  temptations  to  it, 
and  Ike  ways  in  which  you  sin,  as  well  as  you 
know  thcin\  But,  good  Lord,  for  love  of  Thee, 
I  would  this  day  keep  wholly  from  all  [flaming 
the  J/;/]  and  be  very  \_na7ning  the  opposite 
grace'],  I  will  not,  by  Thy  grace,  do  one  [N. 
act,  or  speak  one  [N.]  word,  or  give  one  [N. 
look,  or  harbor  one  [N.]  thought  in  my  soul.  If 
Thou  allow  any  of  these  temptations  to  come 
upon  me  this  day,  I  desire  to  think,  speak,  and 
do  only  what  Thou  wiliest.  I^ord,  without  Thee 
1  can  do  nothing ;  with  Thee  I  can  do  all." 

E.    B.    PUSEY, 


1 86 


July  4. 


Look  at  the  generations  of  old,  and  sec  ;  did  ever 
any  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  was  confounded?  or 
did  any  abide  in  His  fear,  and  7i>as  forsaken  ?  or 
whom  did  He  ever  despise,  that  called  upon  Him  f 
—  ECCLESIASTICUS    ii.    lo. 

Remember,  O  Lord,  Thy  tender  mercies,  and 
Thy  loving-kindnesses ;  for  they  have  been  ever  of 
old.  —  Ps.  XXV.  6. 

My  Father !  see 
I  trust  the  faithfulness  displayed  of  old, 
I  trust  the  love  that  never  can  grow  cold  — 

I  trust  in  Thee. 

Christian  Intelligencer. 

T>E  not  so  much  discouraged  in  the  sight  of 

^^     what  is  yet  to  be  done,  as  comforted  in 

His  good- will  towards  thee.     'T  is  true,  He  hath 

chastened  thee  with  rods  and  sore  afflictions; 

but  did  He  ever  take  away  His  loving-kindness 

from  thee?  or  did  His  faithfulness  ever  fail  in 

the  sorest,  blackest,  thickest,  darkest  night  that 

ever  befell  thee  ? 

I.  Penington. 

We  call  Him  the  **'  God  of  our  fathers  ;''  and 

we  feel  that  there  is  some  stability  at  centre, 

while  we  can  tell  our  cares  to  One  listening  at 

our  right  hand,  by  whom  theirs  are  remembered 

and  removed. 

J.  Martineau 


July  5. 


187 


He  stayeth  His  rough  wind  in  the  day  of  the 
east  wind.  —  IsA.  xxvii.  8. 

A  bruised  reed  shall  He  not  break.  —  Is  A.  xlii.  3. 


All  my  life  I  still  have  found, 

And  I  will  forget  it  never ; 
Every  sorrow  hath  its  bound, 

And  no  cross  endures  forever. 
All  things  else  have  but  their  day, 
God's  love  only  lasts  for  aye. 

P.  Gerhardt. 


T17E  never  have  more  than  we  can  bear. 
The  present  hour  we  are  always  able  to 
endure.  As  our  day,  so  is  our  strength.  If  the 
trials  of  many  years  were  gathered  into  one,  they 
would  overwhelm  us ;  therefore,  in  pity  to  our 
litde  strength.  He  sends  first  one,  then  another, 
then  removes  both,  and  lays  on  a  third,  heav- 
ier, perhaps,  than  either;  but  all  is  so  wisely 
measured  to  our  strength  that  the  bruised  reed 
is  never  broken.  We  do  not  enough  look  at  our 
trials  in  this  continuous  and  successive  view. 
Each  one  is  sent  to  teach  us  something,  and  al- 
together they  have  a  lesson  which  is  beyond  the 

power  of  any  to  teach  alone. 

H.  E.  Manning. 


i 


I 


188 


July  6. 


July  7. 


189 


! 


/  the  Lord  have  called  thee  in  righteousness,  and 
will  hold  thine  hand,  and  will  keep  thee.  —  Is  A. 

xlii.  6. 

O  keep  my  soul^  and  deliver  me :   for  I  put 
my   trust  in    Thee.— Vs.   xxv.    20. 

I  DO  not  ask  my  cross  to  understand, 

My  way  to  see  ; 
Better  in  darkness  just  to  fetl  Thy  hand, 

And  follow  Thee. 

Adfxatde  a.  Procter. 

OLORD,  if  only  my  will  may  remain  right 
and  firm  towards  Thee,  do  with  me  what- 
soever it  shall  please  Thee.  For  it  cannot  be 
anything  but  good,  whatsoever  Thou  shalt  do 
with  me.  If  it  be  Thy  will  I  should  be  in  dark- 
ness, be  Thou  blessed ;  and,  if  it  be  Thy  will  I 
should  be  in  light,  be  Thou  again  blessed.  If 
Thou  vouchsafe  to  comfort  me,  be  Thou  blessed  ; 
and,  if  I'hou  wilt  have  me  afflicted,  be  Thou 
equally  blessed.  O  Lord  !  for  Thy  sake  I  will 
cheerfully  suffer  whatever  shall  come  on  me  with 

Thy  permission. 

Thomas  A.  Kempis. 

My  soul  could  not  incline  itself  on  the  one 

side  or  the  other,  since  another  will  had  taken 

the  place  of  its  own  ;  but  only  nourished  itselt 

with  the  daily  providences  of  God. 

Madame  Guyon. 


The  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  salvation  ;  whom 
shall  I  fear  ?  The  Lord  is  the  strength  of  my  life  2 
of  whom  shall  I  be  afraid? —  Ps.  xxvii.  i. 

Thou  hidden  Source  of  calm  repose, 

Thou  all-sufficient  Love  divine, 
My  Help  and  Refuge  from  my  foes, 

Secure  I  am  while  Thou  art  mine  : 
And  lo  !  from  sin,  and  grief,  and  shame, 
I  hide  me,  Father,  in  Thy  name. 

C.  Wesley. 

\^HATEVER    troubles    come    on    you,    of 

^'       mind,    body,   or   estate,    from  within  or 

from  without,  from  chance  or  from  intent,  from 

friends  or  foes  —  whatever  your  trouble  be,  though 

you  be  lonely,  O  children  of  a  heavenly  Father, 

be  not  afraid  ! 

J.  n.  Newman. 

Whatsoever   befalleth   thee,    receive   it   not 

from  the  hand  of  any  creature,  but  from  Him 

alone,  and  render  back  all  to  Him,  seeking  in  all 

things  His  pleasure  and  honor,  the  purifying  and 

subduing  of  thyself.     What  can  harm  tliee,  when 

all  must  first  touch  God,  within  whom  thou  hast 

enclosed  thyself? 

R    Leiguton. 

How  God  rejoices  over  a  soul,  which,  sur- 
rounded on  all  sides  by  suffering  and  misery, 
does  that  upon  earth  which  the  angels  do  in 
heaven ;    namely,    loves,    adores,    and    praises 

God! 

G.  Tersteegen. 


»! 


I* 


' 


190 


July  8. 


Be  ye  kind  one  to  another.  —  Eph.  iv.  32. 

She  doeth  little  kindnesses 

Which  most  leave  undone  or  despise  ; 

For  nought  which  sets  one  heart  at  ease, 

And  giveth  happiness  or  peace, 
Is  low-esteemed  in  her  eyes. 

J.   R.   LoWELLi 

TXTHAT  was  the  secret  of  such  a  one's  power? 
What  had  she  done?  Absolutely  noth- 
ing; but  radiant  smiles,  beaming  good-humor, 
the  tact  of  divining  what  every  one  felt  and 
every  one  wanted,  told  that  she  had  got  out  of 
self  and  learned  to  think  of  others  ;  so  that  at 
one  time  it  showed  itself  in  deprecating  the 
quarrel,  which  lowering  brows  and  raised  tones 
ab-eady  showed  to  be  impending,  by  sweet 
words ;  at  another,  by  smoothing  an  invalid's  pil- 
low ;  at  another,  by  soothing  a  sobbing  child  ;  at 
another,  by  humoring  and  softening  a  father  who 
had  returned  weary  and  ill-tempered  from  the 
irritating  cares  of  business.  None  but  she  saw 
those  things.  None  but  a  loving  heart  could  see 
them.  That  was  the  secret  of  her  heavenly 
power.  The  one  who  will  be  found  in  trial  ca- 
pable of  great  acts  of  love,  is  ever  the  one  who 
is  always  doing  considerate  small  ones. 

F.  W.  Robertson. 


July   9. 


191 


Love  is  of  God;  and  every  one  that  loveth  is 
born  of  God^  and  knoweth  God.  —  i  John  iv.  7. 

Forbearing  one  another,  and  forgiving  one  an- 
other,  if  any  man  ha7>e  a  quarrel  {or  "  complaint  ") 
against  any  j  even  as  Christ  forgave  you,  so  also 
do  ye.  —  CoL.  iii.   13. 


Oh,  might  we  all  our  lineage  prove. 
Give  and  forgive,  do  good  and  love ; 
By  soft  endearments,  in  kind  strife. 
Lightening  the  load  of  daily  life. 

J.  Keble. 

Tl^E  may,  if  we  choose,  make  the  worst  of  one 
another.  Every  one  has  his  weak  points ; 
every  one  has  his  fiiults  ;  we  may  make  the  woi*st 
of  these ;  we  may  fix  our  attention  constantly 
upon  these.  But  we  may  also  make  the  best  of 
one  another.  We  may  forgive,  even  as  we  hope 
to  be  forgiven.  We  may  put  ourselves  in  the 
place  of  others,  and  ask  what  we  should  wish  to 
be  done  to  us,  and  thought  of  us,  were  we  in 
their  place.  By  loving  whatever  is  lovable  in 
those  around  us,  love  will  flow  back  from  them 
to  us,  and  life  will  become  a  pleasure  instead  of 
a  pain  ;  and  earth  will  become  like  heaven  ;  and 
we  shall  become  not  unworthy  followers  of  Him 
whose  name  is  Love. 

A.  P.  Stanley 


192 


July  10. 


The  Lord  will  perfect  that  which  coticerneth  me: 
Thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  endiireth  forever ;  forsake  not 
the  works  of  Thine  own  hands.  —  Ps.  cxxxviii.  8. 

As  God  leads  me,  will  I  go,  — 

Nor  choose  my  way  ; 
Let  Him  choose  the  joy  or  woe 

Of  every  day : 

They  cannot  hurt  my  soul, 

Because  in  His  control: 

I  leave  to  Him  the  whole,  — 

His  children  may. 

L.  Gedicke. 

WHY  is  it  that  we  are  so  busy  with  the 
future?  It  is  not  our  province;  and  is 
there  not  a  criminal  interference  with  Him  to 
whom  it  belongs,  in  our  feverish,  anxious  at- 
tempts to  dispose  of  it,  and  in  filling  it  up  with 
shadows  of  good  and  evil  shaped  by  our  own 
wild  imaginations?  To  do  God's  will  as  fast  as  it 
is  made  known  to  us,  to  inquire  hourly  —  I  had 
almost  said  each  moment  —  what  He  requires  of 
us,  and  to  leave  ourselves,  our  friends,  and  every 
interest  at  His  control,  with  a  cheerful  trust  that 
the  path  which  He  marks  out  leads  to  our  per- 
fection and  to  Himself,  — this  is  at  once  our 
duty  and  happiness ;  and  why  will  we  not  walk 

in  the  plain,  simple  way? 

William  E.  Channing 


July  11. 


193 


When  He  i!;ivcth  quietness,  who  then  can  make 
trouble?  —  Job  xxxiv.  29. 

None  of  these  things  move  me^  —  Acts  xx.  24. 

I  'VK  many  a  cross  to  take  up  now, 

And  many  left  behind  ; 
But  i)rGsent  troubles  move  me  not, 

Nor  shake  my  quiet  mind. 
And  what  may  be  to-morrow's  cross 

I  never  seek  to  find  ; 
My  Feather  says,  "  Leave  that  to  me, 

And  keep  a  quiet  mind." 

Anon. 

T  ET  us  then  think  only  of  the  present,  and 
not  even  permit  our  minds  to  wander  with 
curiosity  into  the  future.  This  future  is  not  yet 
ours ;  perhaps  it  never  will  be.  It  is-  exposing 
ourselves  to  temptation  to  wish  to  anticipate 
God,  and  to  prepare  ourselves  for  things  which 
He  may  not  destine  for  us.  If  such  things 
should  come  to  pass.  He  will  give  us  light  and 
strength  according  to  the  need.  Why  should  we 
desire  to  meet  difficulties  prematurely,  when  we 
have  neither  strength  nor  light  as  yet  provided  for 
them  ?  Let  us  give  heed  to  the  present,  whose 
duties  are  pressing ;  it  is  fidelity  to  the  present 
which  prepares  us  for  fidelity  in  the  future. 

F^NELON. 

Every  hour  comes  with  some  little  fagot  of 
God's  will  fastened  upon  its  back. 


F.  W.  Faber- 


13 


194 


July  12. 


Be  strongs  and  of  a  good  courage^  fear  not^  nor  be 
afraid  .  .  .  for  the  Lord  thy  God,  He  it  is  that  doth 
^a  with  thee;  He  will  not  fail  thee^  nor  forsake 
thee.  —  Deut.  xxxi.  6. 


The  timid  it  concerns  to  ask  their  way, 

And  fear  what  foe  in  caves  and  swamps  can  stray, 

To  make  no  step  until  the  event  is  known, 

And  ills  to  come  as  evils  past  bemoan. 

Not  so  the  wise  ;  no  coward  watch  he  keeps 

To  spy  what  danger  on  his  pathway  creeps  ; 

Go  where  he  will,  the  wise  man  is  at  home, 

His  hearth  the  earth,  —  his  hall  the  azure  dome; 

Where  his  clear  spirit  leads  him,  there  's  his  road, 

Py  God's  own  light  illumined  and  foreshowed. 

R.  \V.  Emerson 


THROUGH  I  sympathize,  I  do  not  share  in 
the  least  the  feeling  of  being  disheartened 
and  cast  down.  It  is  not  things  of  this  sort  that 
depress  me,  or  ever  will.  The  contrary  things, 
praise,  openings,  the  feeling  of  the  greatness  of 
my  work,  and  my  inability  in  relation  to  it,  these 
things  oppress  and  cast  me  down  ;  but  little  hin- 
drances, and  closing  up  of  accustomed  or  ex- 
pected avenues,  and  the  presence  of  difficulties 
to  be  overcome,  —  I'm   not  going  to  be  cast 

down  by  trifles  such  as  these. 

James  Hinton. 


July  13. 


I9S 


And  the  Lord  shall  guide  thee  continually^  and 
satisfy  thy  soul  in  drought.  —  Is  A.  Iviii.  1 1. 


Wherever  He  may  guide  me, 

No  want  shall  turn  me  back ; 
My  Shepherd  is  beside  me, 

And  nothing  can  I  lack. 
His  wisdom  ever  waketh, 

His  sight  is  never  dim,  — 
He  knows  the  way  He  taketh. 

And  I  will  walk  with  Him. 

A.  L.  Waring. 


ABANDON  yourself  to  His  care  and  guid- 
ance, as  a  sheep  in  the  care  of  a  shepherd, 
and  trust  Him  utterly.  No  matter  though  you 
may  seem  to  yourself  to  be  in  the  very  midst  of  a 
desert,  with  nothing  green  about  you,  inwardly 
or  outwardly,  and  may  think  you  will  have  to 
make  a  long  journey  before  you  can  get  into  the 
green  pastures.  Our  Shepherd  will  turn  that 
very  place  where  you  are  into  green  pastures,  for 
He  has  power  to  make  the  desert  rejoice  and 

blossom  as  a  rose. 

H.  W.  a. 


IQ5 


July  14. 


Be  not  conformed  to  this  world;  but  be  ye  trans 
formed  by  the  renewing  of  your  jniud.  —  Rom 


Xll. 


Father,  let  our  faithful  mind 
Rest,  on  Thee  alone  inclined  ; 
Every  anxious  thought  repress, 
Keep  our  souls  in  perfect  peace. 


C.  Wesley. 


"D  ETIREMENT  from  anxieties  of  every  kind  ; 
-*-^  entering  into  no  disputes;  avoiding  all 
frivolous  talk ;  and  simplifying  everything  we 
engage  in,  whether  in  a  way  of  doing  or  suffer- 
ing ;  denying  the  imagination  its  false  activities, 
and  the  intellect  its  false  searchings  after  what  it 
cannot  obtain,  —  these  seem  to  be  some  of  the 
steps  that  lead  to  obedience  to  the  holy  precept 
m  our  text.  James  P.  Greaves. 

Retire  inwardly ;  wait  to  feel  somewhat  of 
Gods  Spirit,  discovering  and  drawing  away  from 
that  which  is  contrary  to  His  holy  nature,  and 
leading  into  that  which  is  acceptable  to  Him. 
As  the  mind  is  joined  to  this,  some  true  light 
and  life  is  received.  i.  penington. 

Act  up  faithfully  to  your  convictions;  and 
when  you  have  been  unfaithful,  bear  with  your- 
self, and  resume  always  with  calm  simplicity 
your  little  task.  Suppress,  as  much  as  you  pos- 
sibly can,  all  recurrence  to  yourself,  and  you 
will  suppress  much  vanity.  Accustom  yourself  to 
much  calmness  and  an  indifference  to  events. 

Madame  Guyon. 


July  15. 


197 


Lift  up  your  heads^  O  ye  gateSy  even  lift 
them  up,  ye  everlasting  doors ;  and  the  King  of 
glory  shall  come  in.  —  Ps.  xxiv.  9. 

Ye  are  the  temple  of  the  living  God.  —  2  CoR. 
vi.  16. 

Fling  wide  the  portals  of  your  heart, 
Make  it  a  temple  set  apart 
From  earthly  use  for  Heaven's  employ, 
Adorned  with  prayer,  and  love,  and  joy. 
So  shall  your  Sovereign  enter  in, 
And  new  and  nobler  life  begin. 

Weiszel. 

T^HOU  art  to  know  that  thy  soul  is  the  centre, 
^       habitation,  and  kingdom  of  God.     That, 
therefore,  to  the  end  the   sovereign   King  may 
rest  on  that  throne  of  thy  soul,  thou  oughtest  to 
take  pains  to  keep  it  clean,  ciuiet,  and  peaceable, 
—  clean   from   guilt   and   defects ;    quiet   from 
fears  ;  and  peaceable  in  temptations  and  tribula- 
tions.   Thou  oughtest  always,  then,  to  keep  thine 
heart  in  peace,  that  thou  mayest  keep  pure  that 
temple  of  God ;  and  with  a  right  and  pure  inten- 
tion   thou  art  to  work,  pray,  obey,  and  suffer 
(without  being  in  the  least  moved),  whatever  it 
pleases  the  Lord  to  send  unto  thee. 

M.  MOLINOS. 


I 


198 


July  16. 


Oh  how  great  is  Thy  good ncs<i,  which  Thou  hast 
laid  up  for  them  that  fear  Thee;  which  Thou 
hast  wrought  for  them  that  trust  in  Thee,  —  Ps. 
xxxi.  19. 

/  will  sing  unto  the  Lord,  because  He  hath  dealt 
bountifully  with  me.  —  Ps.  xiii.  6. 

Thy  calmness  bends  serene  above 

My  restlessness  to  still ; 
Around  me  flows  Thy  quickening  life, 

To  nerve  my  faltering  will  ; 
Thy  presence  fills  my  solitude; 
Thy  providence  turns  all  to  good. 

S.  Longfellow. 

VUITH  a  heart  devoted  to  God  and  full  of 
God,  no  longer  seek  Him  in  the  heavens 
above  or  the  earth  beneath,  or  in  the  things  under 
the  earth,  but  recognize  Him  as  the  great  fact 
of  the  universe,  separate  from  no  place  or  part, 
but  revealed  in  all  places  and  in  all  things  and 
events,  moment  by  moment.      And   as   eternity 
alone   will   exhaust   this   momentary   revelation, 
which  has  sometimes  been  called  the  Eternal 
Now,  thou  shalt  thus  find  God  ever  present  and 
ever  new  ;  and  thy  soul  shall  adore  Him  and  feed 
upon  Him  in  the  things  and  events  which  each 
new  moment  brings ;   and  thou  shalt  never  be 
al)sent  from  Him,  and  He  shall  never  be  absent 
from  thee. 

T.  C.  Upham. 


July  17. 


199 


For  I  reckon  that  the  sufferings  of  this  present 
time  are  not  worthy  to  he  compared  with  the  glory 
which  shall  be  revealed  in  us.  —  Rom.  viii.  18. 

The  power  of  an  endless  life.  —  Heb.  vii.  16. 


Believ'st  thou  in  eternal  things  ? 

Thou  knowcst,  in  thy  inmost  heart, 
Thou  art  not  clay ;  thy  soul  hath  wings, 

And  what  thou  seest  is  but  part. 
Make  this  thy  med'cine  for  the  smart 

Of  every  day's  distress  ;  be  dumb, 
In  each  new  loss  thou  truly  art 

Tasting  the  power  of  things  that  come. 

T.  W.  Parsonsl 


EVERY  contradiction  of  our  will,  every  little 
ailment,  every  petty  disappointment,  will, 
if  we  take  it  patiently,  become  a  blessing.  So, 
walking  on  earth,  we  may  be  in  heaven ;  the  ill- 
tempers  of  others,  the  slights  and  rudenesses  of 
the  world,  ill-health,  the  daily  accidents  with 
which  God  has  mercifully  strewed  our  paths,  in- 
stead of  ruffling  or  disturbing  our  peace,  may 
cause  His  peace  to  be  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts 
abundantly. 

E.  B.    PUSEY- 


200 


July  18. 


A  new  commandment  I  give  ttnlo you^  That  ve 
love  one  another ;  as  /  have  loved  you,  that  ye  also 
love  one  another. —  John  xiii.  34. 

And  the  Lord  make  you  to  increase  and  abound 
in  loi>e,  one  toward  another,  and  toward  all  men. 
—  I  Thess.  iii.  12. 

Let  love  through  all  my  conduct  shine, 
An  image  fair,  though  faint,  of  Thfne ; 
Thus  let  me  his  disciple  prove, 
Who  came  to  manifest  Thy  love. 

Anon. 

\X7'E  should  arrive  at  a  fulness  of  love  extend- 
ing to  the  whole  creation,  a  desire  to  im- 
part, to  pour  out  in  full  and  copious  streams  the 
love  and  goodness  we  bear  to  all  around  us. 

J.  P.  Greaves. 

Goodness  and  love  mould  the  form  into  their 
own  image,  and  cause  the  joy  and  beauty  of  love 
to  shine  forth  from  every  part  of  the  face.  When 
this  form  of  love  is  seen,  it  appears  ineffobly 
beautiful,  and  affects  with  delight  the  inmost  life 
of  the  soul. 

S  WED  END  ORG 

The  soul  within  had  so  often  lighted  up  her 
countenance  with  its  own  full  happiness  and  joy, 
that  something  of  a  permanent  radiance  remained 
upon  it. 

Anna,  or  Passages  from  Home  Lifb 


July  19. 


201 


The  Lord  is  good  to  all ;  and  His  tender  mercies 
are  over  all  His  works.  —  Ps.  cxlv.  9. 

/v;/-  every  beast  of  the  forest  is   Mine,  and  the 
cattle  upon  a  thousand  hills.  —  Ps.  I.  40. 

Makf:r  of  earth  and  sea  and  sky, 
Creation's  sovereign  Lord  and  King, 

Who  hung  the  starry  worlds  on  high, 
And  formed  alike  the  sparrow's  wing; 

Bless  the  dumb  creatures  of  Thy  care, 

And  listen  to  their  voiceless  prayer. 

Anon. 

T  BELIEVE  where  the  love  of  God  is  verily 
-■■  perfected,  and  the  true  si)irit  of  government 
watchfully  attended  to,  a  tenderness  towards  all 
creatures  made  subject  to  us  will  be  experienced  ; 
and  a  care  felt  in  us,  that  we  do  not  lessen  that 
sweetness  of  life  in  the  animal  creation,  which 
the  great  Creator  intends  for  them  under  our 
government.  ...  To  say  we  love  God  as  un- 
seen, and  at  the  same  time  exercise  cruelty 
toward  the  least  creature  moving  by  His  life,  or 
by  life  derived  from  Him,  was  a  contradiction  in 

itself. 

John  Woolman. 

I  WOULD  give  nothing  for  that  man's  religion 

whose  very  dog  and  cat  are  not  the  better  for  it. 

Rowland  Hili- 


202 


July  20. 


Then  I  said^  I  have  labored  in  vain^  I  have 
spent  my  strength  for  nought^  and  in  vain.  —  Is  A. 
xlix.  4. 

Because  I  spent  the  strength  Thou  gavcst  me 
In  struggle  which  Thou  never  didst  ordain, 
And  have  but  dregs  of  life  to  offer  Thee  — 
O  Lord,  I  do  repent. 

Sarah  Williams. 

MIND,  it  is  our  best  work  that  He  wants,  not 
the  dregs  of  our  exhaustion.     I  think  He 
must  prefer  quaHty  to  quantity. 

George  MacDonald. 

If  the  people  about  you  are  carrying  on  their 
business  or  their  benevolence  at  a  pace  which 
drains  the  life  out  of  you,  resolutely  take  a  slower 
pace ;  be  called  a  laggard,  make  less  money,  ac- 
complish less  work  than  they,  but  be  what  you 
were  meant  to  be  and  can  be.  You  have  your 
natural  limit  of  power  as  much  as  an  engine,  — 
ten-horse  power,  or  twenty,  or  a  hundred.  You 
are  fit  to  do  certain  kinds  of  work,  and  you  need 
a  certain  kind  and  amount  of  fuel,  and  a  certain 
kind  of  handling.  George  S.  Merriam. 

In  your  occupations,  try  to  possess  your  soul 
in  peace.  It  is  not  a  good  plan  to  be  in  haste 
to  perform  any  action  that  it  may  be  the  sooner 
over.  On  the  contrary,  you  should  accustom 
yourself  to  do  whatever  you  have  to  do  with  tran- 
quillity, in  order  that  you  may  retain  the  posses- 
sion of  yourself  and  of  settled  peace. 

Madame  Guyon 


July  21, 


203 


For  which  cause  we  faint  not;  but,  though  our 
outward  man  perish,  yet  the  i?tward  man  is  re- 
newed day  by  day.  —  2  CoR.  iv.  16. 

Let  my  soul  beneath  her  load 

Faint  not  through  the  o'erwearied  flesh; 

Let  me  hourly  drink  afresh 

Love  and  peace  from  Thee,  my  God  I 

RiCHTER. 

TN  my  attempts  to  promote  the  comfort  of  my 
family,  the  quiet  of  my  spirit  has  been  dis- 
turbed. Some  of  this  is  doubtless  owing  to 
physical  weakness ;  but,  with  every  temptation, 
there  is  a  way  of  escape  ;  there  is  never  any  need 
to  sin.     Another  thing  I  have  suffered  loss  from, 

—  entering  into  the  business  of  the  day  without 
seeking  to  have  my  spirit  quieted  and  directed. 
So  many  things  press  upon  me,  this  is  sometimes 
neglected  ;  shame  to  me  that  it  should  be  so. 

This  is  of  great  importance,  to  watch  carefully, 

—  now  I  am  so  weak  —  not  to  over-fatigue  my- 
self, because  then  I  cannot  contribute  to  the 
pleasure  of  others ;  and  a  placid  face  and  a  gen- 
tle tone  will  make  my  family  more  happy  than 
anything  else  I  can  do  for  them.  Our  own  will 
gets  sadly  into  the  performance  of  our  duties 
sometimes. 

Elizabeth  T.  King,  18561 


JJ 


204 


July  22. 


July  23. 


205 


IVkoso  is  wise,  and  will  observe  these  things, 
even  they  shall  understand  the  loving-kindness  of 
the  Lord,  — Vs.  cvii.  43. 


What  channel  needs  oar  faith,  except  the  eyes? 

God  leaves  no  spot  of  earth  unglorified ; 
Profuse  and  wasteful,  lovelinesses  rise; 

New  beauties  dawn  before  the  old  have  died. 

Trust  thou  thy  joys  in  keeping  of  the  Power 
Who  holds  these  changing  shadows  in  His  hand  ; 

Believe  and  live,  and  know  that  hour  by  hour 
Will  ripple  newer  beauty  to  thy  strand. 

T.    W.    HiGGINSON. 

I  WONDERED  over  again  for  the  hundredth 
time  what  could  be  the  principle  which,  in 
the  wildest,  most  lawless,  fantastically  chaotic, 
apparendy  capricious  work  of  nature,  always  kept 
it  beautiful.  The  beauty  of  holiness  must  be  at 
the  heart  of  it  somehow,  I  thought.  Because 
our  God  is  so  free  from  stain,  so  loving,  so  un- 
selfish, so  good,  so  altogether  what  He  wants  us 
to  be,  so  holy,  therefore  all  His  works  declare 
Him  in  beauty ;  His  fingers  can  touch  nothing 
but  to  mould  it  into  loveliness;  and  even  the 
play  of  His  elements  is  in  grace  and  tenderness 

of  form. 

G.  MacDonald. 


Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy 
heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy 
strength,  and  with  all  thy  mind.  —  Luke  x.  27. 

O  God,  what  offering  shall  I  give 
To  Thee,  the  Lord  of  earth  and  skies  ? 

My  spirit,  soul,  and  flesh  receive, 
A  holy,  living  sacrifice. 

J.  Lange. 

'T'O  love  God  "with  all  our  heart,"  is  to 
•*■  know  the  spiritual  passion  of  measureless 
gratitude  for  loving-kindness,  and  self-devoted- 
ness  to  goodness ;  to  love  Him  "  with  all  our 
mind,"  is  to  know  the  passion  for  Truth  that  is 
the  enthusiasm  of  Science,  the  passion  for  Beauty 
that  inspires  the  i)oet  and  the  artist,  when  all 
truth  and  beauty  are  regarded  as  the  self-reveal- 
ings  of  God  ;  to  love  Him  "  with  all  our  soul,"  is 
to  know  the  saint's  rapture  of  devotion  and  gaze 
of  penitential  awe  into  the  face  of  the  All-holy, 
the  saint's  abhorrence  of  sin,  and  agony  of  desire 
to  save  a  sinner's  soul  ;  and  to  love  Him  "  with 
all  our  strength,"  is  the  supreme  spiritual  passion 
that  tests  the  rest;  the  passion  for  reality,  for 
worshi})  in  spirit  and  in  truth,  for  being  what  we 
adore,  for  doing  what  we  know  to  be  (iod's 
word  ;  the  loyalty  that  exacts  the  living  sacrifice, 
the  whole  burnt-offering  that  is  our  reasonable 
service,  and  in  our  coldest  hours  keeps  stead- 
fast to  what  seemed  good  when  we  were  aglow. 

J.  H.  Thom. 


2o6 


July  24. 


IVa/k  worthy  of  God,  who  hath  called  you  unto 
His  kingdom  and  glory.  —  I  Thess.  ii.  12. 

Surely  the  Lord  is  in  this  place;  and  I  knew  ii 
not.  —  Gen.  xxviii.  16. 


Thou  earnest  not  to  thy  place  by  accident. 

It  is  the  very  place  God  meant  for  thee ; 

And  shouldst  thou  there  small  scoj>e  for  action  see. 

Do  not  for  this  give  room  to  discontent. 

R.  C.  Trench. 

A  CCEFF  the  place  the  divine  providence  has 
"^^  found  for  you,  the  society  of  your  contem- 
poraries, the  connection  of  events. 

R.  W.  Emerson. 

Adapt  thyself  to  the  things  with  \vhi(  h  thy  lot 
has  been  cast ;  and  love  the  men  witli  whom  it 
is  thy  portion  to  live,  and  that  with  a  sincere  af- 
fection. .  .  .  No  longer  be  either  dissatisfied  with 

thy  present  lot,  or  shrink  from  the  future. 

Marcus  Antoninus, 

I  LOVE  best  to  have  each  thing  in  its  season, 

doing  without  it  at  all  other  times.     I  have  never 

got  over  my  surprise  that  I    should  have  been 

bom  into  the  most  estimable  place  in  all  the 

world,  and  in  the  very  nick  of  time  too- 

H.  D.  Thoreau. 


July  25. 


207 


He  knoweth  the  way  that  /  take.  — Job  xxiii.  la 
Man'^s  goings  are  of  the  Lord;  how  can  a  man 
then  understand  his  own  way  ? —  Prov.  xx.  24. 


Be  quiet,  why  this  anxious  heed 
About  thy  tangled  ways  ? 
God  knows  them  all,  He  giveth  speed, 
And  lie  allows  delays. 


E.  W. 


T17E  complain  of  the  slow,  dull  life  we  are 
forced  to  lead,  of  our  humble  sphere  of 
action,  of  our  low  position  in  the  scale  of  society, 
of  our  having  no  room  to  make  ourselves  known, 
of  our  wasted  energies,  of  our  years  of  patience. 
So  do  we  say  that  we  have  no  Father  who  is  di- 
recting our  life  ;  so  do  we  say  that  God  has  for- 
gotten us  ;  so  do  we  boldly  judge  what  life  is 
best  for  us  ;  and  so  by  our  complaining  do  we 
lose  the  use  and  profit  of  the  quiet  years.  O 
men  of  little  faith  !  IJecause  you  are  not  sent 
out  yet  into  your  labor,  do  you  think  God  has 
ceased  to  remember  you?  Ikcause  you  are 
forced  to  l)e  outwardly  inactive,  do  you  think 
you,  also,  may  not  be,  in  your  years  of  quiet, 
"  about  your  Father's  business  "  ?  .  .  .  It  is  a  pe- 
riod given  to  us  in  whicli  to  mature  ourselves  for 

the  work  which  God  will  give  us  to  do. 

Stopford  a.  Brooke. 


208 


July  26. 


They  that  trust  in  the  Lord  shall  be  as  Mount 
Zion^  which  cannot  be  renWi'di,  but  abide th  for  ever. 
As  the  mountains  are  round  about  Jerusalem^  so 
the  Lord  is  round  about  His  people  from  henceforth 
even  for  ever,  —  Ps.  cxxv.  i,  2. 


I  low  on  a  rock  they  stand, 
Who  watch  His  eye,  and  hold  His  guiding  hand  I 
Not  half  so  fixed  amid  her  vassal  hills, 
Rises  the  holy  pile  that  Kedron's  valley  fills. 

J.  Keble. 


T^HAT  is  tlie   way  to  be   immovable  in   the 

midst  of  troubles,  as  a  rock   amidst   the 

waves.     When  God  is  in  the  midst  of  a  kingdom 

or  city,  He  makes  it  firm  as  Mount  Sion,  that 

cannot  be  removed.     When  He  is  in  the  midst 

ot  a  soul,  though  calamities  throng  about  it  on 

all  hands,  and  roar  like  the  billows  of  the  sea, 

yet  there  is  a  constant  calm  within,  such  a  peace 

as  the  world   can    neither   give  nor   take  away. 

What  is  it  but  want  of  lodging  (iod  in  the  soul, 

and  that  in   His    stead    the  world    is    in    men's 

hearts,  that   makes    them   shake    like    leaves   at 

every  blast  of  danger? 

R.  Leighton. 


July  27. 


209 


He  that  received  seed  into  the  good  ground  is 
he  that  heareth  the  word,  and  iinderstandeth  it; 
which  also  beareth  fruit,  and  bringeth  forth,  some 
an  hundredfold,  some  sixty,  some  thirty.  —  Matt. 
xiii.  23. 

Then  bless  thy  secret  growth,  nor  catch 
At  noise,  but  thrive  unseen  and  dumb ; 

Keep  clean,  bear  fruit,  earn  life,  and  watch 
Till  the  white-winged  reapers  ome. 

H.  Vaughan. 


TT  E  does  not  need  to  transplant  us  into  a  dif- 
•'■"*•  ferent  field,  but  right  where  we  are,  with 
just  the  circumstances  that  surround  us,  He 
makes  His  sun  to  shine  and  His  dew  to  fall  upon 
us,  and  transforms  the  very  things  that  were  be- 
fore our  greatest  hindrances,  into  the  chiefest  and 
most  blessed  means  of  our  growth.  ...  No  diffi- 
culties in  your  case  can  baffle  Him.  No  dwarf- 
ing of  your  growth  in  years  that  are  past,  no 
apparent  dryness  of  your  inward  springs  of  life, 
no  crookedness  or  deformity  in  any  of  your  past 
development,  can  in  the  least  mar  the  perfect 
work  that  He  will  accomplish,  if  you  will  only 
put  yourselves  absolutely  into  His  hands,  and  let 

Him  have  His  own  way  with  you. 

H.  W.  S. 


2IO 


July  28. 


But  r  would  not  have  you  to  be  ia^norant^  breth- 
ren^ concernin<y  them  which  are  asleep^  that  ye  sor- 
roiv-not^  ei'en  as  others  which  have  no  hope.  —  I 
Thess.  iv.  13. 

Yet  Love  will  dream,  and  Faith  will  trust 
(Since  lie  who  knows  our  need  is  just), 

That  somehow,  somewhere,  meet  we  must. 
Alas  for  him  who  never  sees 
The  stars  shine  through  his  cypress  trees; 

Who  hath  not  learned  in  hours  of  faith, 
The  truth  to  flesh  and  sense  unknown, 

That  life  is  ever  Lord  of  Death, 
And  Love  can  never  lose  its  own. 

J.  G.  Whittier. 

\X7HILE  we  poor  wayfarers  still  toil,  with  hot 
^^  and  bleeding  feet,  along  the  highway  and 
the  dust  of  life,  our  companions  have  but 
mounted  the  divergent  path,  to  explore  the 
more  sacred  streams,  and  visit  the  diviner  vales, 
and  wander  amid  the  everlasting  Alps,  of  God's 
upper  province  of  creation.  And  so  we  kee]:)  up 
the  courage  of  our  hearts,  and  refresh  ourselves 
with  the  memories  of  love,  and  travel  forward  in 
the  ways  of  duty,  with  less  weary  stej),  feeling 
ever  for  the  hand  of  (xod,  and  listening  for  the 
domestic  voices  of  the  immortals  whose  happy 
welcome  waits  us.  Death,  in  short,  under  the 
Christian  aspect,  is  but  God's  method  of  coloni- 
zation ;  the  transition  from  this  mother-country 
of  our  race  to  the  fairer  and  newer  world  of  our 


emigration. 


J.  Martineau. 


July  29.  211 

Hut  this  I  say,  brethren,  the  time  is  short.  —  I 
Cor.  vii.  29. 

I  SOMETIMES  feel  the  thread  of  life  is  slender, 
And  soon  with  me  the  labor  will  be  v,rrought ; 
Then  grows  my  heart  to  other  hearts  more  tender. 

The  time  is  short. 

D.  M.  Craik. 

/^H,  my  dear  friends,  you  who  are  letting  mis- 
^^^  erable  misunderstandings  run  on  from 
year  to  year,  meaning  to  clear  them  up  some 
day ;  you  who  are  keeping  wretched  quarrels 
alive  because  you  cannot  quite  make  up  your 
mind  that  now  is  the  day  to  sacrifice  your  pride 
and  kill  them  ;  you  who  are  passing  men  sullenly 
upon  the  street,  not  speaking  to  them  out  of 
some  silly  spite,  and  yet  knowing  that  it  would 
fill  you  with  shame  and  remorse  if  you  heard  that 
one  of  those  men  were  dead  to-morrow  morning  ; 
you  who  are  letting  your  neighbor  starve,  till  you 
hear  that  he  is  dying  of  starvation;  or  letting 
your  friend's  heart  ache  for  a  word  of  apprecia- 
tion or  sympathy,  which  you  mean  to  give  him 
some  day,  —  if  you  only  could  know  and  see  and 
feel,  all  of  a  sudden,  that  "  the  time  is  short," 
how  it  would  break  the  spell !  How  you  would 
go  instantly  and  do  the  thing  which  you  might 
never  have  another  chance  to  do. 

Phillips  Brooks 


212 


July  30. 


Remember  not  the  sins  of  my  youth,  nor  my  trans- 
gressions ;  acconiini^  to  Thy  mercy  remember  Thou 
me,  for  Thy  goodpiess*  sake,  O  Lord. —  Ps.  xxv.  7. 


When  on  my  aching,  burdened  heart 

My  sins  lie  heavily. 
My  pardon  speak,  new  peace  impart, 

In  love  remember  me. 

T.  Haweis. 


TIT'E  need  to  know  that  our  sins  are  forgiven. 
And  how  shall  we  know  this  ?  By  feel- 
ing that  we  have  peace  with  God,  —  by  feeling 
that  we  are  able  so  to  tnist  in  the  divine  compas- 
sion and  infinite  tenderness  of  our  Father,  as  to 
arise  and  go  to  Him,  whenever  we  commit  sin, 
and  say  at  once  to  Him,  "  Father,  I  have  sinned  ; 
forgive  me."  To  know  that  we  are  forgiven,  it 
is  only  necessary  to  look  at  our  Father's  love  till 
it  sinks  into  our  heart,  to  open  our  soul  to  Him 
till  He  shall  pour  His  love  into  it ;  to  wait  on 
Him  till  we  find  peace,  till  our  conscience  no 
longer  torments  us,  till  the  weight  of  responsibil- 
ity ceases  to  be  an  oppressive  burden  to  us,  till 
we  can  feel  that  our  sins,  great  as  they  are,  can- 
not keep  us  away  from  our  Heavenly  Father. 

J.  F.  Clarke. 


July  31. 


213 


/  have  blotted  out,  as  a  thick  cloud,  thy  trans- 
gressions, and,  as  a  cloud,  thy  sins  :  return  unto  Me, 
for  I  have  redeemed  thee.  —  IsA.  xliv.  22. 

He  will  turn  again.  He  will  have  compassion 
upon  us;  He  will  subdue  our  iniquities;  and 
Thou  wilt  cast  all  their  sins  into  the  depths  of  the 
sea.  — MiCAVi  vii.  19. 


If  my  shut  eyes  should  dare  their  lids  to  part, 
I  know  how  they  must  quail  beneath  the  blaze 
Of  Thy  Love's  greatness.     No ;  I  dare  not  raise 
One  prayer,  to  look  aloft,  lest  it  should  gaze 
On  such  forgiveness  as  would  break  my  heart. 

H.  S.  Sutton. 


OLORD  God  gracious  and  merciful,  give  us, 
I  entreat  Thee,  a  humble  trust  in  Thy 
mercy,  and  suffer  not  our  heart  to  fail  us. 
Though  our  sins  be  seven,  though  our  sins  be 
seventy  times  seven,  though  our  sins  be  more  in 
number  than  the  hairs  of  our  head,  yet  give  us 
grace  in  loving  penitence  to  cast  ourseWes  down 
into  the  depth  of  Thy  compassion.  Let  us  fall 
into  the  hand  of  the  Lord.     Amen. 

C.   G.   ROSSETTL 


214 


August  1. 


Be  not  hasty  in  thy  spirit  to  be  angry;  for  anger 
resteth  in  the  bosom  of  fools.  —  Eccles.  vii.  9. 

Let  not  the  sun  go  down   upon  your  wrath.  — 
Eph.  iv.  26. 


Quench  thou  the  fires  of  hate  and  strife, 

The  wasting  fever  of  the  heart ; 
From  perils  guard  our  feeble  life, 

And  to  our  souls  Thy  peace  impart. 

J.  H.  Newman,  Tr.from  Latin, 


\17HEN  thou  art  offended  or  annoyed  by 
others,  suffer  not  thy  thoughts  to  dwell 
thereon,  or  on  anything  relating  to  them.  For 
example,  "  that  they  ought  not  so  to  have  treated 
thee  ;  who  they  are,  or  whom  they  think  them- 
selves to  be  ;  "  or  the  like  ;  for  all  this  is  fuel  and 
kindling  of  wrath,  anger,  and  hatred. 

L.  SCUPOLI. 


Struggle  diligently  against  your  impatience, 
and  strive  to  be  amiable  and  gentle,  in  season 
and  out  of  season,  towards  every  one,  however 
much  they  may  vex  and  annoy  you,  and  be  sure 
God  will  bless  your  efforts. 

Francis  de  Sales. 


August  2. 


215 


Behold,  God  is  my  salvation;  L  will  trust,  and 
not  be  afraid:  for  the  Lord  fehovah  is  my  strength 
and  my  song;  He  also  is  become  my  salvation.  — 
IsA.  xii.  2. 

Why  are  ye  so  fearful  ?  How  is  it  that  ye  have 
no  faith  ?  —  Mark  iv.  40. 


Still  heavy  is  thy  heart  ? 

Still  sink  thy  spirits  down  ? 

Cast  off  the  weight,  let  fear  depart, 

And  every  care  be  gone. 

P.  Gerhardt. 


r^O  on  in  all  simplicity  ;  do  not  be  so  anxious 
^^  to  win  a  quiet  mind,  and  it  will  be  all  the 
quieter.  Do  not  examine  so  closely  into  the 
progress  of  your  soul.  Do  not  crave  so  much  to 
be  perfect,  but  let  your  spiritual  life  be  formed 
by  your  duties,  and  by  the  actions  which  are 
called  forth  by  circumstances.  Do  not  take  over- 
much thought  for  to-morrow.  God,  who  has 
led  you  safely  on  so  far,  will  lead  you  on  to  the 
end.  Be  altogether  at  rest  in  the  loving  holy 
confidence   which   you  ought   to   have   in    His 

heavenly  Providence. 

Francis  de  Sales. 


2l6 


August  3. 


August  4. 


217 


Thou  hast  made  him  exceeding  glad  with  Thy 
countenance.  —  Ps.  xxi.  6. 

My  heart  for  gladness  springs, 

It  cannot  more  be  sad, 
For  very  joy  it  laughs  and  sings. 

Sees  nought  but  sunshine  glad. 

P.  Gerhardt. 

ANEW  day  rose  upoii  me.  It  was  as  if 
another  sun  had  risen  into  the  sky;  the 
heavens  were  indescribably  brighter,  and  the 
earth  fairer ;  and  that  day  has  gone  on  brighten- 
ing to  the  present  hour.  I  have  known  the 
other  joys  of  hfe,  I  suppose,  as  much  as  most 
men ;  I  have  known  art  and  l)eauty,  music  and 
gladness ;  I  have  known  friendship  and  love  and 
family  ties ;  but  it  is  certain  that  till  we  see  God 
in  the  world  —  God  in  the  bright  and  boundless 
universe  —  we  never  know  the  highest  joy.  It 
is  far  more  than  if  one  were  translated  to  a  world 
a  thousand  times  fairer  than  this ;  for  that 
supreme  and  central  Light  of  Infinite  Love  and 
Wisdom,  shining  over  this  world  and  all  worlds, 
alone  can  show  us  how  noble  and  beautiful,  how 
fair  and  glorious  they  are.         Orville  Dewey. 

When  I  look  like  this  into  the  blue  sky,  it 
seems  so  deep,  so  peaceful,  so  full  of  a  mys- 
terious tenderness,  that  I  could  lie  for  centuries 
and  wait  for  the  dawning  of  the  face  of  God  out 
of  the  awful  loving-kindness. 

G.  MacDonaldl 


He  satisfieth  the  longing  soul,  andfilleth  the  hun- 
gry soul  with  goodness.  —  Ps.  cvii.  9. 

That  ye  might  he  filled  with  all  the  fulness  of 
Cod. —  Eph.  iii.  19. 

Enough  that  He  who  made  can  fill  the  soul 
Here  and  hereafter  till  its  deeps  o'erflow ; 

Enough  that  love  and  tenderness  control 
Our  fate  where'er  in  joy  or  doubt  we  go. 

Anon. 

OGOD,  the  Life  of  the  Faithful,  the  Bliss  of 
the  righteous,  mercifully  receive  the  prayers 
of  Thy  suppliants,  that  the  souls  which  thirst  for 
Thy  promises  may  evermore  be  filled  from  Thy 

abundance.     Amen. 

Gelasian,  a.d.  490. 

God  makes  every  common  thing  serve,  if  thou 
wilt,  to  enlarge  that  capacity  of  bliss  in  His  love. 
Not  a  prayer,  not  an  act  of  fliithfulness  in  your 
calling,  not  a  self-denying  or  kind  word  or  deed, 
done  out  of  love  for  Himself;  not  a  weariness 
or  painfulness  endured  patiently;  not  a  duty 
performed;  not  a  temptation  resisted;  but  it 
enlarges  the  whole  soul  for  the  endless  capacity 
of  the  love  of  God. 

E.  B.  PUSEY. 


2l8 


August  5. 


AugusJt  6. 


219 


O  receive  the  gift  that  is  given  yon,  and  be  glad, 
giving  thanks  unto  Ilitn  that  hath  called  you  to  the 
heavenly  kingdom.  —  2  Esuras  ii.  37. 

Thanks  be  unto  God  for  His  unspeakable  gift.  — 
2  Cor.  ix.  15. 

O  Giver  of  each  perfect  gift  1 
This  day  our  daily  bread  sui)ply ; 
While  from  the  Spirit's  tranquil  deptha 
We  drink  unfailing  draughts  of  joy. 

Lyra  Catholica, 

T^HE  best  way  for  a  man  rightly  to  enjoy  him- 
^  self,  is  to  maintain  a  universal,  ready,  and 
cheerful  compliance  with  the  divine  and  uncreated 
Will  in  all  things ;  as  knowing  that  nothing  can 
issue  and  flow  forth  from  the  fountain  of  good- 
ness but  that  which  is  good  ;  and  therefore  a 
good  man  is  never  offended  with  any  ])iece  of 
divine  dispensation,  nor  hath  he  any  reluctancy 
against  that  Will  that  dictates  and  determines  all 
things  by  an  eternal  rule  of  goodness  ;  as  know- 
ing that  there  is  an  unbounded  and  almighty 
Love,  that  without  any  disdain  or  envy,  freely 
communicates  itself  to  everything  He  made ; 
that  always  enfolds  those  in  His  everlasting  arms 
who  are  made  partakers  of  His  own  image,  per- 
petually nourishing  and  cherishing  them  with  the 

fresh  and  vital  influences  of  His  grace. 

Dr.  John  Smithl 


I  I 


Bless  the  Lord^  O  my  souly  and  forget  not  all 
His  benefits.  —  Ps.  ciii.  2. 

Wiser  it  were  to  welcome  and  make  ours 
Whate'er  of  good,  though  small,  the  Present  brings,  — 
Kind  greetings,  sunshine,  song  of  birds,  and  flowers, 
With  a  child's  pure  delight  in  little  things. 

R.  C.  Trench 

TNTO  all  our  lives,  in  many  simple,  familiar, 
homely  ways,  God  infuses  this  element  of 
joy  from  the  surprises  of  life,  which  unexpectedly 
brighten  our  days,  and  fill  our  eyes  with  light. 
He  drops  this  added  sweetness  into  his  children's 
cup,  and  makes  it  to  run  over.  The  success  we 
were  not  counting  on,  the  blessing  we  were  not 
trying  after,  the  strain  of  music  in  the  midst  of 
drudgery,  the  beautiful  morning  picture  or  sun- 
set glory  thrown  in  as  we  pass  to  or  from  our 
daily  business,  the  unsought  word  of  encourage- 
ment or  expression  of  sympathy,  the  sentence 
that  meant  for  us  more  than  the  writer  or  speaker 
thought,  —  these  and  a  hundred  others  that  every 
one's  experience  can  supply  are  instances  of  what 
I  mean.  You  may  call  it  accident  or  chance  — 
it  often  is ;  you  may  call  it  human  goodness  — 
it  often  is ;  but  always,  always  call  it  God's  love, 
for  that  is  always  in  it.  lliese  are  the  overflow- 
ing riches  of  His  grace,  these  are  His  free  gifts. 

S.  Longfellow. 


220 


August  7. 


August  8. 


221 


If  tftou  canst  believe,  all  things  are  possible  to 
him  that  believeth.  —  Mark  ix.  23. 

Nothing  shall  be  impossible  unto  you,—  Matt. 
xvii.  20. 

So  nigh  is  grandeur  to  our  dust. 

So  near  is  God  to  man, 
When  Duty  whispers  low,  Thou  musty 

The  youth  replies,  /  can. 

R.  W.  Emerson. 

T/^NOW  that  "impossible,"  where  truth  and 
■*^  mercy  and  the  everlasting  voice  of  nature 
order,  has  no  place  in  the  brave  man's  dictionary. 
That  when  all  men  have  said  "  Impossible,"  and 
tumbled  noisily  elsewhither,  and  thou  alone  art 
kft,  then  first  thy  time  and  possibility  have  come. 
It  is  for  thee  now:  do  thou  that,  and  ask  no 
man's  counsel,  but  thy  own  only  and  God's. 
Brother,  thou  hast  possibility  in  thee  for  much : 
the  possibility  of  writing  on  the  eternal  skies  the 

record  of  a  heroic  life. 

T.  Carlyle. 

In  the  moral  world  there  is  nothing  impossible, 
if  we  bring  a  thorough  will  to  it.  Man  can  do 
everything  with  hitnself ;  but  he  must  not  attempt 
to  do  too  much  with  others. 

Wm.  von   HUMBOLDXi 


\ 


Stand  fast  therefore  in  the  liberty  wherewith 
Christ  hath  made  us  free,  and  be  not  entangled 
again  with  the  yoke  of  bondage,  —  Gal.  v.  i. 

/  believed,  and  therefore  have  I  spoken.  —  2  CoR. 
iv.  [3. 

They  are  slaves  who  fear  to  speak 
For  the  fallen  and  the  weak ; 
They  are  slaves  who  will  not  choose 
Hatred,  scoffing,  and  abuse, 
Rather  than  in  silence  shrink 
From  the  truth  they  needs  must  think ; 
They  are  slaves  who  dare  not  be 
In  the  right  with  two  or  three. 

J.   R.   LOVITELI. 

nPHE  real  corrupters  of  society  may  be,  not 
the  corrupt,  but  those  who  have  held  back 
the  righteous  leaven,  the  salt  that  has  lost  its 
savor,  the  innocent  who  have  not  even  the  moral 
courage  to  show  what  they  think  of  the  effrontery 
of  impurity,  —  the  serious,  who  yet  timidly  suc- 
cumb before  some  loud-voiced  scoffer,  —  the 
heart  trembling  all  over  with  religious  sensibilities 
that  yet  suffers  itself  through  false  shame  to  be 
beaten  down  into  outward  and  practical  acqui- 
escence by  some  rude  and  worldly  nature. 

J.  H.  Thom. 


222 


August  9. 


The  ihiftgs  which  are  impossible  with  men  are 
possible  with  God.  —  Luke  xviii.  27. 

Unless  the  Lord  had  been  7ny  hclp^  my  soul  had 
almost  dwelt  in  silence.  —  Ps.  xciv.  17. 

When  o]>stacles  and  trials  seem 

Like  prison-walls  to  be, 
I  do  the  little  I  can  do, 

And  leave  the  rest  to  Thee. 

F.  W.  Fabef 

T^HE  mind  never  puts  forth  greater  power  ovei 
itself  than  when,  in  great  trials,  it  yields  up 
calmly  its  desires,  affections,  interests  to  God. 
There  are  seasons  when  to  be  stiii  demands  im- 
measurably higher  strength  than  to  act.  Com- 
posure is  often  the  highest  result  of  power. 
Think  you  it  demands  no  power  to  calm  the 
stormy  elements  of  passion,  to  moderate  the 
vehemence  of  desire,  to  throw  off  the  load  of 
dejection,  to  suppress  every  repining  thought, 
when  the  dearest  hopes  are  withered,  and  to  turn 
the  wounded  spirit  from  dangerous  reveries  and 
wasting  grief,  to  the  quiet  discharge  of  ordinary 
duties?  Is  there  no  power  put  forth,  when 
a  man,  stripped  of  his  property,  of  the  fruits  of 
a  life's  labors,  quells  discontent  and  gloomy  fore- 
bodings, and  serenely  and  patiently  returns  to  the 
tasks  which  Providence  assigns? 

Wm.  E.  ClIANNING. 


August  10. 


?23 


I 


I 


I 


The  cup  which  my  Father  has  given  me^  shall  I 
not  drink  it  ?  —  John  xviii.  11. 

Whatsoever  is  brought  upon  thec^  take  cheerfully. 

—  ECCLESIASTICUS   ii.   4. 


Every  sorrow,  ev^ery  smart. 
That  the  Eternal  Father's  heart 
Ilath  appointed  me  of  yore, 
Or  hath  yet  for  me  in  store. 
As  my  life  Hows  on,  I  '11  take 
Calmly,  gladly,  for  his  sake, 
No  more  faithless  murmurs  make. 

P.  Gerhardt. 

T^HE  very  least  and  the  very  greatest  sorrows 
that  God  ever  suffers  to  befall  thee,  proceed 
from  the  depths  of  His  unspeakable  love ;  and 
such  great  love  were  better  for  thee  than  the 
highest  and  best  gifts  besides  that  He  has  given 
thee,  or  ever  could  give  thee,  if  thou  couldst  but 
see  it  in  this  light.  So  that  if  your  little  finger 
only  aches,  if  you  are  cold,  if  you  are  hungry  or 
thirsty,  if  others  vex  you  by  their  words  or  deeds, 
or  whatever  happens  to  you  that  causes  you  dis- 
tress or  pain,  it  will  all  help  to  fit  you  for  a  noble 
and  blessed  state. 

J.  Tauler. 


224 


August  11. 


The  Lord  thy  God  shall  bless  thee  in  all  thy 
works,  and  in  all  that  thou  puttest  thine  hand 
unto.  — Deut.  XV.  10. 


My  place  of  lowly  service,  too, 

Beneath  Thy  sheltering  wings  I  see ; 

For  all  the  work  I  have  to  do 
Is  done  through  sheltering  rest  in  Thee. 

A.  L.  Waring. 


T  THINK  I  find  most  help  in  trying  to  look  on 
all  interruptions  and  hindrances  to  work  that 
one  has  planned  out  for  oneself  as  discipline,  trials 
sent  by  God  to  help  one  against  getting  selfish 
over  one's  work.  Then  one  can  feel  that  per- 
haps one's  true  work  —  one's  work  for  God  — 
consists  in  doing  some  trifling  haphazard  thing 
that  has  been  thrown  into  one's  day.  It  is  not 
waste  of  time,  as  one  is  tempted  to  think,  it  is  the 
most  important  part  of  the  work  of  the  day,  —  the 
part  one  can  best  offer  to  God.  After  such  a 
hindrance,  do  not  rush  after  the  planned  work ; 
trust  that  the  time  to  finish  it  will  be  given  some- 
time, and  keep  a  quiet  heart  about  it. 

Annie  Keary 


August  12. 


225 


Master,  what  shall  I  do  to  inherit  eternal  life  f 
—  Luke  x.  25. 

Whatsoever  thy  handjindeth  to  do,  do  it  with  thy 
might.  —  EccLES.  ix.  10. 

"  What  shall  I  do  to  gain  eternal  life  ?" 

"  Discharge  aright 
The  simple  dues  with  which  each  day  is  rife, 

Yea,  with  thy  might." 

F.  VON  Schiller, 

A    MAN  is  relieved  and  gay  when  he  has  put 
his  heart  into  his  work,  and  done  his  best ; 
but  what  he  has  said  or  done  otherwise,  shall 
give  him  no  peace. 

R.  W.  Emerson. 


Be  diligent,  after  thy  power,  to  do  deeds  of 
love.  Think  nothing  too  litde,  nothing  too  low, 
to  do  lovingly  for  the  sake  of  God.  Bear  with 
infirmities,  ungentle  tempers,  contradictions; 
visit,  if  thou  mayest,  the  sick ;  relieve  the  poor ; 
forego  thyself  and  thine  own  ways  for  love ;  and 
He  whom  in  them  thou  lovest,  to  whom  in  them 
thou  ministerest,  will  own  thy  love,  and  will  pour 
His  own  love  into  thee. 

E.  B.  Pusey 
15 


226 


August  13. 


In  your  patience  possess  ye  your  souls.  —  Luke 
xxi.  19. 

What  though  thy  way  be  dark,  and  earth 
With  ceaseless  care  do  cark,  till  mirth 

To  thee  no  sweet  strain  singeth ; 
Still  hide  thy  life  above,  and  still 
Believe  that  God  is  love;  fulfil 

Whatever  lot  He  bringeth. 

Albert  E.  Evans. 

npilE  soul  loses  command  of  itself  when  it  is 
impatient.  Whereas,  when  it  submits  with- 
out a  murmur  it  possesses  itself  in  peace,  and 
possesses  God.  To  l)e  impatient,  is  to  desire 
what  we  have  not,  or  not  to  desire  what  we  have. 
When  we  acquiesce  in  an  evil,  it  is  no  longer 
such.  \N\\y  make  a  real  calamity  of  it  by  resist- 
ance? Peace  does  not  dwell  in  outward  things, 
but  within  the  soul.  We  may  preserve  it  in  the 
midst  of  the  bitterest  pain,  if  our  will  remains 
firm  and  submissive.  Peace  in  this  life  springs 
from  acquiescence  even  in  disagreeable  things, 
not  in  an  exemption  from  bearing  them. 

FAnelon. 

The  chief  pang  of  most  trials  is  not  so  much 
the  actual  suffering  itself,  as  our  own  spirit  of 
resistance  to  it 

Jean  Nicolas  Grou 


August  14. 


.., 


ifii 


/  will  lift  up  mine  eyes   unto  the  hills,  from 
whence  cometh  my  help.  —  Ps.  cxxi.  i. 

My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee.  —  2  CoR.  xii.  9. 

I  L<)UK  to  Thco  in  every  need. 

And  never  look  in  vain ; 
I  feel  Thy  touch,  Eternal  Love, 

And  all  is  well  again: 
The  thought  of  Thee  is  mightier  far 
Than  sin  and  pain  and  sorrow  are. 

S.  Longfellow. 

1111 OW  can  you  live  sweetly  amid  the  vexatious 
things,  the  irritating  things,  the  multitude 
of  httle  worries  and  frets,  which  lie  all  along  your 
way,  and  which  you  cannot  evade  ?  You  cannot 
at  present  change  your  surroundings.  WTiatever 
kind  of  life  you  are  to  live,  must  be  lived  amid 
precisely  the  experiences  in  which  you  are  now- 
moving.  Here  you  must  win  your  victories  or 
suffer  your  defeats.  No  restlessness  or  discontent 
can  change  your  lot.  Others  may  have  other 
circumstances  surrounding  them,  but  here  are 
yours.  You  had  better  make  up  your  mind  to 
accept  what  you  cannot  alter.  You  can  live 
a  beautiful  life  in  the  midst  of  your  present 
circumstances.  J.  R.  Miller. 

Strive  to  realize  a  state  of  inward  happiness, 

independent  of  circumstances. 

J.  P.  Greaves. 


228 


August  15. 


God  hath  not  given  us  the  spirit  of  fear  j  but  of 
power ^  and  of  love,  and  of  a  sound  mind.  —  2  Tim. 
i.  7. 

We  cast  behind  fear,  sin,  and  death ; 

With  Thee  we  seek  the  things  above ; 
Our  inmost  souls  Thy  spirit  breathe. 

Of  power,  of  calmness,  and  of  love. 

Hymns  of  the  Spirit. 

I  MUST  conclude  with  a  more  delightful  sub- 
ject, —  my  most  dear  and  blessed  sister.  1 
never  saw  a  more  perfect  instance  of  the  spirit 
of  power  and  of  love,  and  of  a  sound  mind ; 
intense  love,  almost  to  the  annihilation  of  selfish- 
ness—  a  daily  martyrdom  for  twenty  years, 
during  which  she  adhered  to  her  early- formed 
resolution  of  never  talking  about  herself ;  thought- 
ful about  the  very  pins  and  ribands  of  my  wife's 
dress,  about  the  making  of  a  doll's  cap  for  a 
child, —but  of  herself,  save  only  as  regarded 
her  ripening  in  all  goodness,  wholly  thoughtless, 
enjoying  everything  lovely,  graceful,  beautiful, 
high-minded,  whether  in  (iod's  works  or  man's, 
with  the  keenest  relish;  inheriting  the  earth  to 
the  very  fulness  of  the  promise,  though  never 
leaving  her  crib,  nor  changing  her  posture  ;  and 
preserved  through  the  very  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death,  from  all  fear  or  impatience,  or  from 
every  cloud  of  impaired  reason,  which  might  mar 
the  beauty  of  Christ's  spirit's  glorious  work. 

Thomas  ARNOLa 


August  16. 


229 


Whatsoezter  a  man  soweih^  that  shall  he  also 
reap.  —  Gal.  vi.  7. 


The  life  above,  when  this  is  past, 
Is  the  ripe  fruit  of  life  below. 

Sow  love,  and  taste  its  fruitage  pure  ; 

Sow  peace,  and  reap  its  harvest  bright ; 
Sow  sunbeams  on  the  rock  and  moor, 

And  find  a  harvest-home  of  light. 

H.    BONAR. 


THE  dispositions,  affections,  inclinations  of 
soul,  which  shall  issue  hereafter  in  perfec- 
tion, must  be  trained  and  nurtured  in  us  throughout 
the  whole  course  of  this  earthly  life.  When  shall 
we  bear  in  mind  this  plain  truth,  that  the  future 
perfection  of  the  saints  is  not  a  translation  from 
one  state  or  disposition  of  soul  into  another, 
diverse  from  the  former;  but  the  carrying  out, 
and,  as  it  were,  the  blossom  and  the  fruitage  of 
one  and  the  same  principle  of  spiritual  life,  which, 
through  their  whole  career  on  earth,  has  been 
growing  with  an  even  strength,  putting  itself  forth 
in  the  beginnings  and  promise  of  i)erfection, 
reaching  upward  with  steadfast  aspirations  after 

perfect  holiness  ? 

^  H.  E.  Manning. 


230 


August  17. 


O  turn  unto  me^  and  have  mercy  upon  me ;  give 
Thy  strength  unto  Thy  servant^  and  save  the  son 
of  Thy  handmaid.  —  Ps.  Ijuu^vi.  i6. 


Thou  art  my  King  — 

My  King  henceforth  alone ; 

And  I,  Thy  servant,  Lord,  am  all  Thine  own. 

Give  me  Thy  strength  ;  oh !  let  Thy  dwelling  be 

In  this  poor  heart  that  pants,  my  Lord,  for  Thee  f 

G.  Tersteegen. 

VI7HEN  it  is  the  one  ruling,  never-ceasing 
desire  of  our  hearts,  that  God  may  be  the 
beginning  and  end,  the  reason  and  motive,  the 
rule  and  measure,  of  our  doing  or  not  doing, 
from  morning  to  night ;  then  everywhere,  whether 
speaking  or  silent,  whether  inwardly  or  outwardly 
employed,  we  are  equally  offered  up  to  the  eter- 
nal Spirit,  have  our  life  in  Him  and  from  Him, 
and  are  united  to  Him  by  that  Spirit  of  Prayer 
which  is  the  comfort,  the  support,  the  strength 
and  security  of  the  soul,  travelling,  by  the  help  of 
God,  through  the  vanity  of  time  into  the  riches 
of  eternity.  Let  us  have  no  thought  or  care,  but 
how  to  be  wholly  His  devoted  instruments ; 
everywhere,  and  in  everything,  His  adoring,  joyful, 
and  thankful  servants. 

Wm.  Law. 


August  18. 


231 


CI 


Beloved,  if  our  heart  condemn  us  not,  then  have 
we  confidence  toward  God,  —  iJoHNiii.21. 

O  Lord,  how  happy  is  the  time 

When  in  Thy  love  I  rest  : 
When  from  my  weariness  I  climb 

E'en  to  Thy  tender  breast. 
The  night  of  sorrow  endeth  there, 

Thy  rays  outshine  the  sun  ; 
And  in  Thy  pardon  and  Thy  care 

The  heaven  of  heavens  is  won. 

W.  C.  Dessler- 

NOTHING  doth  so  much  establish  the  mind 
amidst  the  rollings  and  turbulency  of  pres- 
ent things,  as  both  a  look  above  them,  and  a  look 
beyond  them;  above  them  to  the  good  and 
steady  Hand  by  which  they  are  ruled,  and  beyond 
them  to  the  sweet  and  beautiful  end  to  which, 
by  that  Hand,  they  shall  be  brought.  .  .  .  Study 
pure  and  holy  walking,  if  you  would  have  your 
confidence  firm,  and  have  boldnecs  and  joy  in 
God.  You  will  find  that  a  little  sin  will  shake 
your  trust  and  disturb  your  peace  more  than  the 
greatest  sufferings  :  yea,  in  those  sufferings,  your 
assurance  and  joy  in  God  will  grow  and  abound 
most  if  sin  be  kept  out.     So  much  sin  as  gets  in, 

so  much  peace  will  go  out. 

R.  Lkighton 


232 


August  19. 


Teach  me  Thy  way,  O  Lord,  and  lead  me  in  a 
plain  path.  —  Fs.  xxvii.  ii. 

Lead,  kindly  Light,  amid  the  encircling  gloom, 

Lead  Thou  me  on  ; 
The  night  is  dark,  and  I  am  far  from  home, 

Lead  Thou  me  on. 
Keep  Thou  my  feet  ;  I  do  not  ask  to  see 
The  distant  scene ;  one  step  enough  for  me. 

J.  H.  Newman. 

/^OD  only  is  holy ;  He  alone  knows  how  to 
^^  lead  His  children  in  the  paths  of  holiness. 
He  knows  every  aspect  of  your  soul,  every  thought 
of  your  heart,  every  secret  of  your  character,  its 
difficulties  and  hindrances  ;  He  knows  how  to 
mould  you  to  His  will,  and  lead  you  onwards  to 
perfect  sanctification  ;  He  knows  exactly  how  each 
event,  each  trial,  each  temptation,  will  tell  upon 
you,  and  He  disposes  all  things  accordingly. 
The  consequences  of  this  l)elief,  if  fully  grasj)cd, 
will  influence  your  whole  life.  You  will  seek  to 
give  yourself  up  to  God  more  and  more  unre- 
servedly, asking  nothing,  refusing  nothing,  wish- 
ing nothing,  but  what  He  wills  ;  not  seeking  to 
bring  things  about  for  yourself,  taking  all  He 
sends  joyfully,  and  believing  the  *'  one  step  "  set 
before  you  to  be  enough  for  you.  You  will  be 
satisfied  that  even  though  there  are  clouds  around, 
and  your  way  seems  dark.  He  is  directing  all, 
and  that  what  seems  a  hindrance  will  prove  a 
blessing,  since  He  wills  it. 

Jean  Nicolas  Grou. 


August  20. 


233 


Wait  on  the  Lord:  be  of  good  courage,  and  He 
shall  strengthen  thine  heart :  wait,  I  say,  on  the 
Lord.  —  Ps.  xxvii.  14. 

He  giveth  power  to  the  faint ;  and  to  them  that 
have  no  might  Ht  incteaseth  strength.  —  ISA.  xl.  29. 


Leaning  on  Him,  make  with  reverent  meekness 

His  own  thy  will, 
And  with  strength  from  Him  shall  thy  utter  weakness 

Life's  task  fulfil. 

J.  G.  Whittier. 

SHOULD  we  feel  at  times  disheartened  and 
discouraged,  a  confiding  thought,  a  simple 
movement  of  heart  towards  God  will  renew  our 
powers.  Whatever  he  may  demand  of  us,  he 
will  give  us  at  the  moment  the  strength  and  the 

couraijje  that  we  need. 

°  F6NEL0N. 

We  require  a  ci^tain  firmness  in  all  circum- 
stances of  life,  even  the  hai)piest,  and  perhaps 
contradictions  come  in  order  to  prove  and  exer- 
cise this ;  and,  if  we  can  only  determine  so  to 
use  them,  the  very  effort  brings  back  tranquillity 
to  the  soul,  which  always  enjoys  having  exercised 

its  strength  in  conformity  to  duty. 

\Vm.  von  Humboldt. 


234 


August  21. 


August  22. 


Wg  then  thai  are  strong  ought  to  bear  the  infirm- 
Hies  of  the  weak,  and  not  to  please  ourselves.  — 
Rom.  XV.  i. 

The  Lord  God  hath  given  me  the  tomiue  of  the 
learnedy  that  I  should  know  how  to  speak  a  word 
in  season  to  hi?n  that  is  wea?y.  — Is  a.  1.  4. 

If  there  be  some  weaker  one. 
Give  me  strength  to  help  him  on ; 
If  a  blinder  soul  there  be, 
Let  me  guide  him  nearer  Thee. 

J.  G.  Whittier. 

A  SK  Him  to  increase  your  powers  of  sympa- 
'^  thy  :  to  give  you  more  quickness  and  depth 
of  sympathy,  in  little  things  as  well  as  great. 
Opportunities  of  doing  a  kindness  are  often  lost 
from  mere  want  of  thought.  Half  a  dozen  hnes 
of  kindness  may  bring  sunshine  into  the  whole 
day  of  some  sick  person.  Think  of  the  pleasure 
you  might  give  to  some  one  who  is  much  shut 
up,  and  who  has  fewer  pleasures  than  you  have, 
by  sharing  with  her  some  little  comfort  or  enjoy- 
ment that  you  have  learnt  to  look  upon  as  a  nec- 
essary of  life,  —  the  pleasant  drive,  the  new  book, 
flowers  from  the  country,  etc.  Try  to  put  your- 
self in  another's  place.  Ask  "  What  should  I  like 
myself,  if  I  were  hard-worked,  or  sick,  or  lonely  ?  " 

Cultivate  the  habit  of  sympathy. 

G.  H.  Wilkinson. 


/  beseech  you  therefore ^  brethren,  by  the  mercies 
of  God,  that  ye  present  your  bodies  a  living  sacrifice^ 
holy,  acceptable  unto  God,  which  is  your  reasonable 
service.  —  Rom.  xii.  i. 


Thou  hast  my  flesh,  Thy  hallowed  shrine. 

Devoted  solely  to  Thy  will ; 
Here  let  Thy  light  forever  shine, 

This  house  still  let  Thy  presence  fill ; 
O  Source  of  Life,  live,  dwell,  and  move 
In  me,  till  all  my  life  be  love  I 

JOACHIM  Lange. 


Tl/f  AY  it  not  be  a  comfort  to  those  of  us  who 
feel  we  have  not  the  mental  or  spiritual 
power  that  others  have,  to  notice  that  the  liv- 
ing sacrifice  mentioned  in  Rom.  xii.  i  is  our 
"  bodies"?  Of  course,  that  includes  the  mental 
power,  but  does  it  not  also  include  the  loving, 
sympathizing  glance,  the  kind,  encouraging  word, 
the  ready  erra?id  for  another,  the  work  of  our 
hands,  opportunities  for  all  of  which  come  oftener 
in  the  day  than  for  the  mental  power  we  are 
often  tempted  to  envy?     May  we  be  enabled  to 

offer  willingly  that  which  we  have. 

Anon, 


236 


August  23. 


August  24. 


237 


Seekest  thou  great  things  for  thyself  f  seek  them 
not,  — Jer.  xlv.  5. 

I  WOULD  not  have  the  restless  will 

That  hurries  to  and  fro, 
Seeking  for  some  great  thing  to  do. 

Or  secret  thing  to  know ; 
I  would  be  treated  as  a  child, 

And  guided  where  I  go. 

A.  L.  Waring. 

OH  !  be  little,  be  little ;  and  then  thou  wilt 
be  content  with  little ;  and  if  thou  feel, 
now  and  then,  a  check  or  a  secret  smiting,  — 
in  that  is  the  Father's  love ;  be  not  over-wise, 
nor  over-eager,  in  thy  own  willing,  running,  and 
desiring,  and  thou  mayest  feel  it  so ;  and  by  de- 
grees come  to  the  knowledge  of  thy  Guide,  who 
will  lead  thee,  step  by  step,  in  the  path  of  life, 
and  teach  thee  to  follow.     Be  still,  and  wait  for 

light  and  strength. 

I.  Penington. 

Sink  into   the   sweet  and    blessed   littleness, 

where  thou  livest  by  grace  alone.     Contemplate 

with  delight  the  holiness  and  goodness  in  God, 

which  thou  dost  not  finil  in  thyself.     How  lovely 

it  is  to  be  nothing  when  God  is  all ! 

G.  Tersteegen. 


.  *;»* 


Itllft- 


And  that  which  fell  among  thorns  are  they^ 
which ^  when  they  have  heard ^  go  forth  ^  and  are 
choked  with  careSj  and  riches  and  pleasures  of 
this  life  J  and  bring  no  fruit  to  perfection. — Luke 
viii.  14. 


Preserve  me  from  my  calling's  snare, 
And  hide  my  simple  heart  above, 

Above  the  thorns  of  choking  care, 
The  gilded  baits  of  worldly  love. 

C.  Wesley. 


A  NYTHING  allowed  in  the  heart  which  is 
contrary  to  the  will  of  God,  let  it  seem 
ever  so  insignificant,  or  be  ever  so  deeply  hidden, 
will  cause  us  to  fall  before  our  enemies.  Any 
root  of  bitterness  cherished  towards  another,  any 
self-seeking,  any  harsh  judgments  indulged  in, 
any  slackness  in  obeying  the  voice  of  the  Lord, 
any  doubtful  habits  or  surroundings,  any  one  of 
these  things  will  effectually  cri])plc  and  paralyze 
our  spiritual  life.  I  believe  our  blessed  Guide,  the 
indwelling  Holy  Spirit,  is  always  secretly  discover- 
ing these  things  to  us  by  continual  little  twinges 
and  pangs  of  conscience,  so  that  we  are  left  with- 
out excuse. 

H.  W.  S. 


238 


August  25. 


See  that  ye  refuse  not  Him  that  speaketh.  -^ 
Heb.  xii.  25. 

From  the  world  of  sin  and  noise 

And  hurry  I  withdraw ; 
For  the  small  and  inward  voice 

I  wait  with  humble  awe ; 
Silent  am  I  now  and  still, 

Dare  not  in  Thy  presence  move ; 
To  my  waiting  soul  reveal 

The  secret  of  Thy  love 

C.  Wesley. 

T17HEN  therefore  the  smallest  instinct  or  de- 
sire of  thy  heart  calleth  thee  towards 
God,  and  a  newness  of  life,  give  it  lime  and 
leave  to  speak ;  and  take  care  thou  refuse  not 
Him  that  speaketh.  ...  Be  retired,  silent,  pas- 
sive, and   humbly   attentive    to  this   new  risen 

light  within  thee. 

\Vm.  Law. 

It  is  hardly  to  be  wondered  at  that  he  should 
lose  the  finer  consciousness  of  higher  jx)wers  and 
dee|>er  feelings,  not  from  any  behavior  in  itself 
wrong,  but  from  the  hurry,  noise,  and  tumult  in 
the  streets  of  life,  that,  penetrating  loo  deep  into 
the  house  of  life,  dazed  and  stuix?fied  the  silent 
and  lonely  watcher  in  the  chamber  of  conscience, 
fer  apart     He  had  no  time  to  think  or  feel. 

G.  MacDonaij>. 


August  26. 


239 


Be  silent,  O  all  Jlesh,  before  the  Lord.  — Zech 
ii.  13- 

Be  earth,  with  all  her  scenes,  withdrawn ; 

Let  noise  and  vanity  be  gone  : 

In  secret  silence  of  the  mind, 

My  heaven,  and  there  my  God,  I  find. 

I.  Watts'. 

It  is  only  with  the  pious  affection  of  the  will 
-*■  that  we  can  be  spiritually  attentive  to  God. 
As  long  as  the  noisy  restlessness  of  the  thoughts 
goes  on,  the  gentle  and  holy  desires  of  the  new 
nature  are  overpowered  and  inactive. 

J.  P.  Greaves. 

There  is  hardly  ever  a  comi)lete  silence  in  our 
soul.  God  is  whispering  to  us  wellnigh  inces- 
santly. Whenever  the  sounds  of  the  world  die 
out  in  the  soul,  or  sink  low,  then  we  hear  these 
whisperings  of  God.  He  is  always  whispering  to 
us,  only  we  do  not  always  hear,  because  of  the 
noise,  hurry,  and  distraction  which  life  causes  as 
it  rushes  on. 

F.  W.  Fa  HER. 

The  prayer  of  faith  is  a  sincere,  sweet,  and 
quiet  view  of  divine,  eternal  truth.  The  soul 
rests  quiet,  ])erceiving  and  loving  God;  sweetly 
rejecting  all  the  imaginations  that  present  them- 
selves, calming  the  mind  in  the  Divine  presence, 
and  fixing  it  only  on  God. 

MOLINOS, 


240 


August  5?7. 


Being  confident  of  this  very  thing,  that  He  which 
hath  begun  a  good  work  in  you  will  perform  it.  — 
Phil.  i.  6. 

He  that  endureth  to  the  end  shall  be  saved. -^ 
Matt.  x.  22. 

Fill  with  inviolable  peace ; 

Stablish  and  keep  my  settled  heart  ; 
In  Thee  may  all  my  wanderings  cease, 

From  Thee  no  more  may  1  depart : 
Thy  utmost  goodness  called  to  prove, 
Loved  with  an  everlasting  love  ! 

C.  Wesley. 

TF  any  sincere  Christian  cast  himself  with  his 
-■•  whole  will  upon  the  Divine  Presence  which 
dwells  within  him,  he  shall  be  kept  safe  unto  the 
end.  What  is  it  that  makes  us  unable  to  perse- 
vere? Is  it  want  of  strength?  By  no  means. 
We  have  with  us  the  strength  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
When  did  we  ever  set  ourselves  sincerely  to  any 
work  according  to  the  will  o(  (iod,  and  fliil  for 
want  of  strength?  It  was  not  that  strength  failed 
the  will,  but  that  the  will  tailed  first.  If  we  could 
but  embrace  the  Divine  will  with  the  whole  love 
of  ours  ;  cleaving  to  it,  and  holding  fast  by  it,  we 
should  be  borne  along  as  upon  "  the  river  of  the 
water  of  life."  We  ()i)cn  only  certain  chambers 
of  our  will  to  the  intluence  of  the  I  )ivine  will. 
We  are  afraid  of  being  wholly  absorbed  into  it. 
And  yet,  if  we  would  have  peace,  we  must  be  al- 
together united  to  Him. 

H.  E.  Manning- 


August  28. 


241 


They  that  know  Thy  name  will  put  their  trust 
in  Thee  :  for  Thou^  Lord^  hast  not  forsaken  them 
that  seek  Thee.  —  Ps.  ix.  10. 

Yea,  the  Lord  shall  give  that  which  is  good.  — 
Ps.  Ixxxv.  12. 


In  Thee  I  place  my  trust, 

On  Thee  I  calmly  rest ; 
I  know  Thee  good,  I  know  Thee  just. 

And  count  Thy  choice  the  best. 

n.  F.  Lyte. 


T^HE  souls  that  would  really  be  richer  in  duty 
in  some  new  position,  are  precisely  those 
who  borrow  no  excuses  from  the  old  one  ;  who 
even  esteem  it  full  of  privileges,  plenteous  in  oc- 
casions of  good,  frequent  in  divine  appeals,  which 
they  chide  their  graceless  and  unloving  temper 
for  not  heeding  more.  Wretched  and  barren  is 
the  discontent  that  quarrels  with  its  tools  instead 
of  with  its  skill ;  and,  by  criticising  Providence, 
manages  to  keep  up  complacency  with  self. 
How  gentle  should  we  be,  if  we  were  not  pro- 
voked ;  how  pious,  if  we  were  not  busy  ;  the  sick 
would  be  patient,  only  he  is  not  in  health ;  the 
obscure  would  do  great  things,  only  he  is  not 
conspicuous  I 

J.  Martineau. 
16 


242 


August  29. 


t 


August  30. 


243 


Am  I  my  brother's  keeper? —  Gen.  iv.  9. 


Bf.cause  I  held  upon  my  selfish  road, 
And  left  my  brother  wounded  by  the  way, 
And  called  ambition  duty,  and  pressed  on  — 

O  Lord,  I  do  repent. 

Sarah  Williams 


TIJ  OW  many  are  the  sufferers  who  have  fallen 

amongst  misfortunes  along  the  wayside  of 

Kfe  !     "By  chance ^^'  we  come  that  way  ;  chance, 

accident,  ftovidence,  has   thrown   them  in  our 

way ;    we   see   them   from  a  distance,  like   the 

Priest,  or  we  come  upon  them  suddenly,  like  the 

Levite  ;  our  business,  our  pleasure,  is  interrupted 

by  the  sight,  is  troubled  by  the  delay ;  what  are 

our  feelings,  what  our  actions  towards  them  ?  .  .  . 

"Who   is   thy   neighbor?"     It   is   the   sufferer, 

wherever,  whoever,  whatsoever  he  l)e.      W1ier- 

ever  thou  hearest  the  cry  of  distress,  wherever 

thou  seest  any  one  brought  across  thy  path  l)y 

the  chances  and  changes  of  life  (that  is,  by  the 

Providence  of  God),  whom  it  is  in  thy  power  to 

help,  —  he,  stranger  or  enemy  though  he  be,  — 

he  is  thy  neighbor. 

A.  P.  Stanley. 


I 


Walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  ye  are 
called^  with  all  lowliness  and  meekness^  with  long- 
sujjfering^  forbearing  one  another  in  love.  —  Eph- 
iv.  I,  2. 

Hklp  us,  O  Lord,  with  patient  love  to  bear 

Kacli  other's  faults,  to  suffer  with  true  meekness; 

Help  us  each  other's  joys  and  griefs  to  share, 
But  let  us  turn  to  Thee  alone  in  weakness. 

Anon. 

'VT^OU  should  make  a  special  point  of  asking 
God  every  morning  to  give  you,  before  all 
else,  that  true  spirit  of  meekness  which  He 
would  have  His  children  possess.  You  must 
also  make  a  firm  resolution  to  practise  yourself 
in  this  virtue,  especially  in  your  intercourse  with 
those  persons  to  whom  you  chiefly  owe  it.  You 
must  make  it  your  main  object  to  conquer  your- 
self in  this  matter ;  call  it  to  mind  a  hundred 
times  during  the  day,  commending  your  efforts 
to  God.  It  seems  to  me  that  no  more  than  this 
is  needed  in  order  to  subject  your  soul  entirely 
to  His  will,  and  then  you  will  become  more  gen- 
tle day  by  day,  trusting  wholly  in  His  goodness. 
You  will  be  very  happy,  my  dearest  child,  if  you 
can  do  this,  for  God  will  dwell  in  your  heart ;  and 
where  He  reigns  all  is  peace.  But  if  you  should 
fail,  and  commit  some  of  your  old  faults,  do  not 
be  disheartened,  but  rise  up  and  go  on  again,  as 

though  you  had  not  fallen. 

Francis  de  Sales 


244 


August  31. 


Now  therefore  keep  thy  sorrow  to  thyself  and 
bear  with  a  i^iwd  courage  that  which  hath  befallen 
thee.  —  2  ESDRAS  x.  15. 


Go,  bury  thy  sorrow, 

The  world  hath  its  share; 
Go,  bury  it  deeply. 

Go,  hide  it  with  care. 
Go,  bury  thy  sorrow. 

Let  others  be  blest ; 
Go,  give  them  the  sunshine. 

And  tell  God  the  rest. 


Anon. 


/^UR  veiled  and  terrible  guest  [Trouble]  brings 
^■^^  for  us,  if  we  will  accept  it,  the  boon  of  for- 
titude, patience,  self-control,  wisdom,  sympathy, 
faith.  If  we  reject  that,  then  we  find  in  our 
hands  the  other  gift,  —  cowardice,  weakness,  is- 
olation, despair.  If  your  trouble  seems  to  have 
in  it  no  other  possibility  of  good,  at  least  set 
yourself  to  bear  it  like  a  man.  Let  none  of  its 
weight  come  on  other  shoulders.  Tr}'  to  carry 
it  so  that  no  one  shall  even  see  it.  Though 
your  heart  be  sad  within,  let  cheer  go  out  from 
you  to  others.  Meet  them  with  a  kindly  pres- 
ence, considerate  words,  helpful  acts. 

G.  S.  Merriam 


T 


September  1. 


245 


Let  them  that  suffer  according  to  the  will  of  God 
commit  the  keeping  of  their  souls  to  Him  in  well- 
doing,  as  utito  a  faithful  Creator.  —  i  Peter  iv.  19. 

The  Lord  is  very  pitiful,  and  of  tender  mercy. 

—  J  AMES  V.  II. 


On  Thy  compassion  I  repose 

In  weakness  and  distress : 
I  will  not  ask  for  greater  ease, 

Lest  I  should  love  Thee  less. 
Oh,  't  is  a  blessed  thing  for  me 

To  need  Thy  tenderness. 

A.  L.  Waring. 


/^H,  look  not  at  thy  pain  or  sorrow,  how  great 

^-^     soever ;  but  look  from  them,  look  off  them, 

look  beyond    them,   to    the   Deliverer !    whose 

power  is  over  them,  and  whose  loving,  wise,  and 

tender  spirit  is  able  to  do  thee  good  by  them. 

The   Lord  lead  thee,  day  by  day,  in  the  right 

way,  and  keep  thy  mind  stayed  upon  Him,  in 

whatever  befalls  thee  ;  that  the  belief  of  11  is  love 

and  hope  in  His  mercy,  when  thou  art  at  the 

lowest  ebb,  may  keep  up  thy  head  above  the 

billows. 

Isaac  Penington 


246 


September  2. 


Blessed  are  the  peacemakers :  for  they  shall  be 
called  the  children  of  God.  —  Matt.  v.  9. 

Grant  us  Thy  peace,  down  from  Thy  presence  falling, 
As  on  the  thirsty  earth  cool  night-dews  sweet ; 

Grant  us  Thy  peace,  to  Thy  pure  paths  recalling, 
From  devious  ways,  our  worn  and  wandering  feet. 

E.   SCUDDER, 

r\  GOD,  who  art  Peace  everlasting,  whose 
^^  chosen  reward  is  the  gift  of  peace,  and 
who  hast  taught  us  that  the  peacemakers  are 
Thy  children,  pour  Thy  sweet  peace  into  our 
souls,  that  everything  discordant  may  utterly 
vanish,  and  all  that  makes  for  peace  be  sweet 
to  us  forever.     Amen. 

Gelasian.  a.  d.  492. 

Have  you  ever  thought  seriously  of  the  mean- 
ing of  that  blessing  given  to  the  peacemakers? 
People  are  always  expecting  to  get  peace  in 
heaven  ;  but  you  know  whatever  peace  they  get 
there  will  be  ready-made.  Whatever  making  of 
peace  they  can  be  blest  for,  must  be  on  the  earth 
here  :  not  the  taking  of  arms  against,  but  the 
building  of  nests  amidst,  its  "  sea  of  troubles  " 
[like  the  halcyons] .  Difficult  enough,  you  think  ? 
Perha[)s  so,  but  I  do  not  see  that  any  of  us  try. 
We  complain  of  the  want  of  many  things  —  we 
want  votes,  we  want  liberty,  we  want  amusement, 
we  want  money.  Which  of  us  feels  or  knows  that 
he  wants  peace? 

J.   RUSKIM 


September  3. 


247 


The  eyes  of  all  wait  upon  Thee  ;  and  Thou  giV' 
est  them  their  7ncat  in  due  season.  —  Ps.  cxlv.  15. 

What  time  I  am  afraid.,  I  will  trust  in  Thee, 
—  Ps   Ivi.  3. 

Late  on  me,  weeping,  did  this  whisper  fall : 

*'  Dear  child,  there  is  no  need  to  weep  at  all  1 

Why  go  about  to  grieve  and  to  despair  ? 

Why  weep  now  through  thy  Future's  eyes,  and  bear 

In  vain  to-day  to-morrow's  load  of  care  ?  " 

H.  S.  Sutton. 


'T^HE  crosses  of  the  present  moment  always 
-^  bring  their  own  special  grace  and  conse- 
quent comfort  with  them  ;  we  see  the  hand  of 
(rod  in  them  when  it  is  laid  upon  us.  But  the 
crosses  of  anxious  foreboding  are  seen  out  of  the 
dispensation  of  God  ;  we  see  them  without  grace 
to  bear  them  ;  we  see  them  indeed  through  a 
faithless  spirit  which  banishes  grace.  So,  every- 
thing in  them  is  l)itter  and  unendurable;  all 
seems  dark  and  helpless.  Let  us  throw  self 
aside;  no  more  self-interest,  and  then  God's 
will,  unfolding  every  moment  in  everything,  will 
console  us  also  every  moment  for  all  that  He 
shall    do    around    us,    or    within    us,  for    our 

discipline. 

FAnelon, 


248 


September  4. 


His  delight  is  in  the  law  cf  ike  Lord.  And  he 
shall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by  the  rivers  of  water ^ 
that  bringeth  forth  his  fruit  in  his  season;  his  leaf 
also  shall  not  wither ;  and  whatsoever  he  doeth 
shall prjsper.  —  Ps.  i.  2,  3. 

The  wind  that  blows  can  never  kill 

The  tree  God  plants  ; 
It  bloweth  east ;  it  bloweth  west ; 
The  tender  leaves  have  little  rest, 
But  any  wind  that  blows  is  best. 

The  tree  God  plants 
Strikes  deeper  root,  grows  higher  still, 
Spreads  wider  boughs,  for  God's  good-will 

Meets  all  its  wants. 

LiLLiE  E.  Barr. 

TT  is  a  fatal  mistake  to  suppose  that  we  cannot 
be  holy  except  on  the  condition  of  a  situation 
and  circumstances  in  Hfe  such  as  shall  suit  our- 
selves. It  is  one  of  the  first  principles  of  holi- 
ness to  leave  our  times  and  our  places,  our  going 
out  and  our  coming  in,  our  wasted  and  our 
goodly  heritage  entirely  with  the  Lord.  Here, 
O  Lord,  hast  Thou  placed  us,  and  we  will  glo- 
rify Thee  here  1 

T.  C.  Upham. 

It  is  not  by  change  of  circumstances,  but  by 
fitting  our  spirits  to  the  circumstances  in  which 
God  has  placed  us,  that  we  can  be  reconciled  to 
life  and  duty. 

F.  W.  Robertson. 


September  5. 


249 


O  Lord,  I  am  oppressed;   undertake  for  me 
•  ISA.  xxxviii.  14. 


Being  perplexed,  I  say. 

Lord,  make  it  right  1 
Night  is  as  day  to  Thee, 

Darkness  is  light. 
I  am  afraid  to  touch 
Things  that  involve  so  much  ;  — 

My  trembling  hand  may  shake, 
My  skill-less  hand  may  break  : 
Thine  can  make  no  mistake. 

Anna  Warner. 


'HP HE  many  troubles  in  your  household  will 
■■■  tend  to  your  edification,  if  you  strive  to 
bear  them  all  in  gentleness,  patience,  and  kind- 
ness. Keep  this  ever  before  you,  and  remember 
constandy  that  God's  loving  eyes  are  upon  you 
amid  all  these  litde  worries  and  vexations,  watch- 
mg  whether  you  take  them  as  He  would  desire. 
Offer  up  all  such  occasions  to  Him,  and  if  some- 
times you  are  put  out,  and  give  way  to  impa- 
tience, do  not  be  discouraged,  but  make  haste  to 

regain  your  lost  composure. 

Francis  de  Sales 


2SO 


September  6. 


//  any  man  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny 
himself,  and  take  up  his  cross  daily ^  and  follow 
me.  —  Luke  ix.  23. 

There  lies  thy  cross ;  beneath  it  meekly  bow ; 

It  fits  thy  stature  now  ; 
Who  scornful  pass  it  with  averted  eye, 

T  will  crush  them  by  and  by. 

J.  Keble. 

T^O  take  up  the  cross  of  Christ  is  no  great 
action  done  once  for  all ;  it  consists  in  the 
continual  practice  of  small  duties  which  are  dis- 
tasteful to  us.  .  J.  „.  nkwman. 

On  one  occasion  an  intimate  friend  of  his  was 
fretting  somewhat  at  not  being  able  to  put  across 
on  the  grave  of  a  relation,  because  the  rest  of  the 
family  disliked  it.  "  Don't  you  see,"  he  said  to 
her,  "  that  by  giving  up  your  own  way,  you  will 
be  virtually  putting  a  cross  on  the  grave  ?  You  '11 
have  it  in  its  effect.  The  one  is  but  a  stone 
cross,  the  other  is  a  true  spiritual  cross." 

Like  of  James  Hinton. 

I  WOULD  have  you,  one  by  one,  ask  yourselves, 
Wherein  do  I  take  up  the  cross  daily  ? 

E.    13.    PUSEY. 

Every  morning,  receive    thine    own    special 
cross  from  the  hands  of  thy  heavenly  Father. 

L.    SCUPOLT. 


September  7. 


251 


Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before  God  and  the 
Father  is  this.  To  visit  the  fatherless  and  widows 
in  their  affliction,  and  to  keep  himself  unspotted 
from  the  world.  — James  i.  27. 


Not  to  ease  and  aimless  qufet 

Doth  that  inward  answer  tend, 
But  to  works  of  love  and  duty 

As  our  being's  end. 

J.  G.  Whittier. 


TT  is  surprising  how  practical  duty  enriches  the 
fancy  and  the  heart,  and  action  clears  and 
deepens  the  affections.  Indeed,  no  one  can  have 
a  true  idea  of  right,  until  he  does  it ;  any  genuine 
reverence  for  it,  till  he  has  done  it  often  and  with 
cost ;  any  peace  ineffable  in  it,  till  he  does  it  al- 
ways and  with  alacrity.  Does  any  one  complain, 
that  the  best  affections  are  transient  visitors  with 
him,  and  the  heavenly  spirit  a  stranger  to  his 
heart  ?  Oh.  let  him  not  go  forth,  on  any  strained 
wing  of  thought,  in  distant  quest  of  them  ',  but 
rather  stay  at  home,  and  set  his  house  in  the 
tnie  order  of  conscience ;  and  of  their  own  ac- 
cord the  divinest  guests  will  enter. 

J.  Martineau. 


September  8 


September  9. 


253 


Conlinue  in  prayer,  and^  ^aicH  in  the  same  ^.ith 
thanksgiving.  —  Col.  iv.  2. 

Watch  ye,  standfast  in  the  faith,  jutt  you  l.ke 
men,  be  strong.  -I  CoR.  xv..  13- 

That  we  are  ever  overoornc  , 

Thnr  «.e  should  ever  weak  or  heartless  DC, 
That  we  snciui  prayer, 

Anxious  or  """'^l'^''' **''" '^""  „  ^^  with  Thee? 
And  joy  and  strength  and  courage  are^.^    _^^^^^ 

TT  is  impossible  for  us  to  make  the  duties  of  our 
r  r„  Xter  to  our  sancufication  wuhout  a 
liabit  of  devout  lUlowship  with  Cod  Ih.^  «  the 
5SgofaUourhfe,a,.dthe^reng.^^^^ 
prayer,  meditatton,  and  c""^^/  ';;;;'^_,  Jf  our 
refreshes,  restores,  "^^\^^"^,7  ^VX^;;,,  con- 

it;iSti:tri;irti-vithth^^^ 

out  *.s  hcalrn^  a  ^.^^  ^^^^^.^  ^^^^ 

crow  to  be  burdens,  tnc  cv^-ui  „,i,,rl.; 

fJmLr  employments  lower  the  tone  of  our  minds, 
tempt-r,  empiuj  ;„it-ihle  and  impatient, 

and  we  become  fretful,  u-ntable,am.  ^  IJ^^^^^^^ 


This  is  a  faithful  sayings  and  these  things  I  will 
that  thou  affirm  constantly^  that  they  which  have 
believed  in  God  might  be  careful  to  maintain  good 
works. —  Titus  iii.  8. 

Faith's  meanest  deed  more  favor  bears 
Where  hearts  and  wills  arc  weighed, 

Than  brightest  transports,  choicest  prayers, 
Which  bloom  their  hour  and  fade. 

J.  11.  Newman. 

ONE  secret  act  of  self-denial,  one  sacrifice  of 
inclination  to  duty,  is  worth  all  the  mere 
good  thoughts,  warm  feelings,  passionate  prayers, 
in  which  idle  people  indulge  themselves. 

J.  H.  Newman. 

It  is  impossible  for  us  to  live  in  fellowship  with 
God  without  holiness  in  all  the  duties  of  life. 
These  things  act  and  react  on  each  other.  With- 
out a  diligent  and  faithful  obedience  to  the  calls 
and  claims  of  others  upon  us,  our  religious  pro- 
fession is  simply  dead.  To  disobey  conscience 
when  it  points  to  relative  duties  irritates  the  whole 
temper,  and  quenches  the  first  beginnings  of  de- 
votion. We  cannot  go  from  strife,  breaches,  and 
angry  words,  to  God.  Selfishness,  an  imperious 
will,  want  of  symi^athy  with  the  sufferings  and 
sorrows  of  other  men,  neglect  of  charitable  ofhces, 
suspicions,  hard  censures  of  those  with  whom 
our  lot  is  cast,  will  miserably  darken  our  own 
hearts,  and  hide  the  face  of  God  from  us. 

H.  E.  Manning. 


i 


254 


September  10. 


Lord,  not  my  feet  only,  but  also  my  hands  and 
my  head.  —  John  xiii.  9. 

Take  my  hands,  and  let  them  move 
At  the  impulse  of  Thy  love. 

Take  my  feet,  and  let  them  be 
Swift  and  "  l>eautiful  "  for  Thee. 

Take  my  intellect,  and  use 

Every  power  as  Thou  shalt  choose. 

F.  R.  Havergai. 

TF  a  man  may  attain  thereunto,  to  be  unto  God 
-*■  as  his  hand  is  to  a  man,  let  him  l)e  therewith 
content,  and  not  seek  further.  T'hat  is  to  say, 
let  him  strive  and  wrejtle  with  all  his  might  to 
obey  God  and  His  commandments  so  thoroughly 
at  all  times,  and  in  all  things,  that  in  him  there 
be  nothing,  spiritual  or  natural,  which  opposeth 
God ;  and  that  his  whole  soul  and  body,  with  all 
their  members,  may  stand  ready  and  willing  for 
that  to  which  God  hath  created  them  ;  as  ready 
and  willing  as  his  hand  is  to  a  man,  which  is  so 
wholly  in  his  power,  that  in  the  twinkling  of  an 
eye,  he  moveth  and  tunieth  it  whither  he  will. 
And  when  we  find  it  otherwise  with  us,  we  must 
give  our  whole  diligence  to  amend  our  state. 

Theolocua  Germanica. 

When  the  mind  thinks  nothing,  when  the  soul 
covets  nothing,  and  the  body  acteth  nothing  that 
is  contrary  to  the  will  of  God,  this  is  perfect 
sanctification. 

Anonymous,  in  an  old  Bible,  1599. 


September  11. 


255 


Thy  kingdom  come.  —  Matt.  vi.  10. 


The  kingdom  of  established  peace. 

Which  can  no  more  remove  ; 
The  perfect  iiowers  of  godliness, 

The  omnipotence  of  love. 

C.  Wesley. 

JYj^Y  child,  thou  mayest  not  measure  out  thine 
offering  unto  me  by  what  others  have  done 
or  left  undone  ;  but  be  it  thine  to  seek  out,  even 
to  the  last  moment  of  thine  earthly  life,  what  is 
the  utmost  height  of  pure   devotion   to  which  I 
have  called  thine  own  self.     Remember  that,  if 
thou  fall  short  of  this,  each  time  thou  utterest  in 
prayer  the  words,  "  Hallowed  be  Thy  name,  Thy 
kingdom  come,"  thou  dost  most  fearfully  con- 
demn thyself,  for  is  it  not  a  mockery  to  ask  for 
that  thou  wilt  not  seek  to  promote  even  unto 
the  uttermost,  within  the  narrow  compass  of  thine 
own  heart  and  spirit  ? 

The  Divine  Master. 

If  you  do  not  wish  for  His  kingdom,  don't 
pray  for  it.  But  if  you  do,  you  must  do  more 
than  pray  for  it ;  you  must  work  for  it. 

J.   RUSKIN. 


256 


September  12. 


September  13. 


257 


She  obeyed  not  the  voice;  she  received  not  correc- 
tion ;  she  trusted  not  in  the  Lord;  she  drew  not 
near  to  her  God.  — Zeph.  iii.  2. 

Oh  !  let  us  not  this  thought  allow  > 
The  heat,  the  dust  upon  our  brow, 
Signs  of  the  contest,  we  may  wear ; 
Yet  thus  we  shall  appear  wxoxg  fair 

In  our  Almighty  Master's  eye, 
Than  if  in  fear  to  lose  the  bloom. 
Or  ruffle  the  soul's  lightest  plume, 

We  from  the  strife  shoukl  fly. 

K.  C.  Trench. 

IF  God  requires  anything  of  us,  we  have  no 
right  to  draw  back  under  the  pretext  that  we 
are  liable  to  commit  some  fault  in  obeying.  It  is 
better  to  obey  imperfectly  than  not  at  all.  Per- 
haps you  ought  to  rebuke  some  one  dependent 
on  you,  but  you  are  silent  for  fear  of  giving  way 
to  vehemence  ;  —  or  you  avoid  the  society  of  cer- 
tain persons,  because  they  make  you  cross  and 
impatient.  How  are  you  to  attain  self-control,  if 
you  shun  all  occasions  of  practising  it?  Is  not 
such  self-choosing  a  greater  fault  than  those  into 
which  you  fear  to  tall?  Aim  at  a  steady  mind  to 
do  right,  go  wherever  duty  calls  you,  and  believe 
firmly  that  God  will  forgive  the  faults  that  take 
our  weakness  by  surprise  in  spite  of  our  sincere 

desire  to  please  Him. 

Jean  Nicolas  Grou. 


,. 


//  is  good  that  a  man  should  both  hope  and  quiet- 
ly wait  for  the  salvation  of  the  Lord.  —  Lam.  iii.  26. 

Truly  my  soul  waiteth  upon  God :  from  Him 
comelh  my  salvation.  —  Ps.  Ixii.  I. 


Not  so  in  haste,  my  heart ; 

Have  faith  in  God,  and  wait ; 
Although  He  linger  long, 

He  never  comes  too  late. 


Anon. 


T^HE  true  use  to  be  made  of  all  the  imper- 
fections of  which  you  are  conscious  is 
neither  to  justify,  nor  to  condemn  them,  but  to 
present  them  before  God,  conforming  your  will 
to  His,  and  remaining  in  peace  ;  for  peace  is  the 
divine  order,  in  whatever  state  we  may  be. 

F6NEL0N. 

You  will  find  it  less  easy  to  uproot  faults,  than 
to  choke  them  by  gaining  virtues.  Do  not  think 
of  your  faults  ;  still  less  of  others'  faults  ;  in  every 
person  who  comes  near  you  look  for  what  is  good 
and  strong :  honor  that ;  rejoice  in  it ;  and,  a? 
you  can,  try  to  imitate  it ;  and  your  faults  will 
drop  off,  like  dead  leaves,  when  their  time 
comes. 

J.  Ruskin. 

17 


258 


September  14. 


September  15. 


Call  unto  me,  and  /  will  answer  thee,  and  show 
thee  great  and  mighty  thin^^s  which  thou  knowest 
not.—]E.K.  xxxiii.  3. 

And  [  have  also  given  thee  that  which  thou  hast 
not  asked.  —  I  Kings  iii.  13. 

No  voice  of  prayer  to  Thee  can  rise, 
Hut  swift  as  light  Thy  Love  replies ; 
Not  always  what  we  ask,  indeed, 
But,  O  most  Kind !  what  most  we  need. 

H.  M.  Kimball. 

TF  you  have  any  trial  which  seems  intolerable, 
pray,  —  pray  that  it  be  relieved  or  changed. 
There  is  no  harm  in  that.  We  may  pray  for  any- 
thing, not  wrong  in  itself,  with  perfect  freedom, 
if  we  do  not  pray  selfishly.  One  disabled  from 
duty  by  sickness  may  pray  for  health,  that  he  may 
do  his  work  ;  or  one  hemmed  in  by  internal  im- 
pediments may  pray  for  utterance,  that  he  may 
serve  better  the  truth  and  the  right.  Or,  if  we 
have  a  besetting  sin,  we  may  pray  to  be  delivered 
from  it,  in  order  to  serve  Ood  and  man,  and  not 
be  ourselves  Satans  to  mislead  and  destroy.  But 
the  answer  to  the  prayer  may  be,  as  it  was  to 
Paul,  not  the  removal  of  the  thorn,  but,  instead,  a 
growing  insight  into  its  meaning  and  value.  The 
voice  of  God  in  our  soul  may  show  us,  as  we  look 
up  to  Him,  that  His  strength  is  enough  to  enable 

us  to  bear  it. 

J.  F.  Clarke. 


259 


\r% 


Can  ye  drink  of  the  cup  that  I  drink  of?  and  be 
baptized  with  the  baptism  that  I  am  baptized  with  ? 
—  Mark  x.  ^t^. 

Whatever  my  God  ordains  is  right; 

Though  I  the  cui)  must  drink 
That  bitter  seems  to  my  faint  heart, 

1  will  not  fear  nor  shrink. 

S.  Rod  I  CAST. 

*T^HE  worst  part  of  martyrdom  is  not  the  last 
agonizing  moment ;  it  is  the  wearing,  daily 
steadfastness.    Men  who  can  make  up  their  minds 
to  hold  out  against  the  torture  of  an  hour  have 
sunk  under  the  weariness  and  the  harass  of  small 
prolonged  vexations.     And  there  are  many  Chris- 
tians who  have  the  weight  of  some  deep,  incom- 
municable grief  pressing,  cold  as  ice,  upon  their 
ht-arts.     To  bear  that  cheerfully  and  manfully  is 
to  be  a  martyr.     There  is  many  a  Christian  be- 
reaved and  stricken  in  the  best  hopes  of  life. 
Vox  such  a  one  to  say  quietly,  "  Father,  not  as  I 
will,  but  as  Thou  wilt,"  is  to  be  a  martyr.     There 
is  many  a  Christian  who  feels  the  irksomeness  of 
the  duties  of  life,  and  feels  his  spirit  revolting 
from  them.     To  get  up  every  morning  with  the 
firm  resolve  to  find  pleasure  in  those  duties,  and 
do  them  well,  and  finish  the  work  which  God  has 
given  us  to  do,  that  is  to  drink  Christ's  cup. 
The  humblest  occupation  has  in  it  materials  of 
discipline  for  the  highest  heaven. 

P.  W.  Robertson. 


26o 


September  16. 


For  the  whale  world  before  thee  ts  as  a  little  grain 
of  the  balance,  yea,  as  a  drop  of  the  morning  dew 
that  falleth  down  upon  the  earth,  hut  rhouhast 
mercy  upon  alL  For  Thou  lovest  cill  the  things 
that  are.  —V^isiyo^i  of  Solomon  xi.  22-24. 

Oh  !  Source  divine,  and  Life  of  all, 
The  Fount  of  Being's  fearful  sea, 

Thy  depth  would  every  heart  appal, 
That  saw  not  love  supreme  in  Thee. 

J.  Sterling. 

HE  showed  a  little  thing,  the  quantity  of  a 
hazel-nut,  lying  in  the  palm  of  my  hand, 
as  meseemed,  and  it  was  as  round  as  a  ball.     I 
looked  thereon  with  the  eye  of  my  understanding, 
and  thought,  *'  What  may  this  be  I  "  and  it  was 
answered  generally  thus,  '*  //  is  ail  that  is  made. 
I  marvelled  how  it  might  last ;  for  methought  it 
might  suddenly  have  fallen  to  naught  for  little- 
ness.    And  I  was  answered  in  my  understanding, 
"  //  lasteth,  and  ever  shall:  For  God  lovetl^i  it. 
And  so  hath  all  thing  being  by  the  Love  of  God 
In  this  little  thing  I  saw  three  properties.      1  he 
first  is,  that  God  made  it.     The  second  is,  that 
God  loveth  it.     The  third  is,  that  (lod  keepeth  it. 
For  this  is  the  cause  which  we  be  not  all  in  case 
of  heart  and  soul :  for  we  seek  here  rest  in  this 
thing  which  is  so  little,  where  no  rest  is  in  :  and 
we  know  not  our  God  that  is  all  Mighty,  all  W  ise, 
and  all  Good,  for  he  is  very  rest.     God  wills  to  be 
known,  and  it  pleaseth  Him  that  we  rest  us  m 
Him.     For  all  that  is  beneath  Him,  sufficeth  not 
IIS.  Mother  Juliana,  1373 


September  17. 


261 


■Ki 


j 


Whosoever  will  be  great  among  you^  shall  be 
your  minister ;  and  whosoever  of  you  will  be  the 
chief est^  shall  be  servant  of  all.  For  even  the  Son 
of  man  came  not  to  be  ministered  unto^  but  to  min- 
ister. — Mark  x.  43-45. 

A  child's  kiss 
Set  on  thy  sighing  lips,  shall  make  thee  glad  ; 
A  poor  man  served  by  thee,  shall  make  thee  rich  ,• 
A  sick  man  helped  by  thee,  shall  make  thee  strong. 
Thou  shalt  be  served  thyself  by  every  sense 
Of  service  which  thou  renderest. 

E.  B.  Browning. 

T  ET  every  man  lovingly  cast  all  ins  thoughts 
•^^  and  cares,  and  his  sins  too,  as  it  were,  on 
the  Will  of  God.  Moreover,  if  a  man,  while  busy 
in  this  lofty  inward  work,  were  called  by  some 
cfuty  in  the  Providence  of  God  to  cease  therefrom, 
and  cook  a  broth  for  some  sick  person,  or  any 
other  such  service,  he  should  do  so  willingly  and 
with  great  joy.  If  I  had  to  forsake  such  work, 
and  go  out  to  preach  or  aught  else,  I  should  go 
cheerfully,  believing  not  only  that  God  would  be 
with  me,  but  that  he  would  vouchsafe  me  it  may 
be  even  greater  grace  and  blessing  in  that  ex- 
ternal work  undertaken  out  of  true  love  in  the 
service  of  my  neighbor,  than  I  should  perhaps 

receive  in  my  season  of  loftiest  contemplation. 

John  Tauler 


262 


September  18. 


Ail  the  paths  of  the  Lord  are  mercy  and  truth 
unto  such  as  keep  His  covenant  and  His  testimo- 
nies. —  PS.  XXV.  lo. 


Speak,  Lord,  for  Thy  servant  heareth, 

Speak  peace  to  my  anxious  soul, 
And  help  me  to  feel  that  all  my  ways 

Are  under  Thy  wise  control ; 

That  He  who  cares  for  the  lily, 

And  heeds  the  sparrows'  fall, 

Shall  tenderly  lead  His  loving  child: 

For  He  made  and  loveth  all. 

Anon. 


IT  is  not  by  seeking  more  fertile  regions  where 
toil  is  lighter  —  happier  circumstances  free 
from  difficult  comi)lications  and  troublesome 
people  — but  by  bringing  the  high  courage  of  a 
devout  soul,  clear  in  principle  and  aim,  to  bear 
upon  what  is  given  to  us,  that  we  brighten  our 
inward  light,  lead  something  of  a  true  life,  and 
introduce  the  kingdom  of  heaven  into  the  midst 
of  our  earthly  day.  If  we  cannot  work  out  the 
will  of  God  where  God  has  placed  us,  then  why 

has  He  placed  us  there? 

J.  H.  Thom 


September  19. 


263 


Pray  for  us  unto  the  Lord  thy  God  .  .  .  that 
the  Lord  thy  God  may  show  us  the  way  wherein 
Ui?  may  walk^  and  the  thing  that  we  may  dO' 
r-jER.  xlii.  2,  3. 

That  which  I  see  not,  teach  Thou  me.  —  Job 
jcxxiv.  32. 

O  Father,  hear  I 
The  way  is  dark,  and  I  would  fain  discern 
What  steps  to  take,  into  which  path  to  turn  ; 

Oh  I  make  it  clear. 

Christian  Intelligencer. 

*"  1X7 E  can't  choose  happiness  either  for  our- 

selves   or   for    another ;    we   can't   tell 

where  that  will  lie.     We  can  only  choose  whether 

we  will  indulge  ourselves  in  the  present  moment, 

or  whether  we  will  renounce  that,  for  the  sake  of 

obeying  the  Divine  voice  within  us,  —  for  the  sake 

of  being  true  to  all  the  motives  that  sanctify  our 

lives.     I  know  this  belief  is  hard  ;  it  has  slipped 

away  from  me  again  and  again  ;  but  I  have  felt 

that   if  I   let  it  go  forever,  I   should   have  no 

light  through  the  darkness  of  this  life." 

George  Eliot. 

There  was  a  care  on  my  mind  so  to  pass  my 

time,  that  nothing  might  hinder  me   from  the 

most  steady  attention  to  the  voice  of  the  true 

Shepherd. 

John  Woolman: 


264 


September  20. 


September  21. 


26s 


Thou  shalt  hide  them  in  the  secret  of  Thy  pres- 
ence from  the  pride  of  f nan;  Thou  shalt  keep  them 
secretly  in  a  pavilion  from  the  strife  of  tongues, 
—  Ps.  xxxi.  2o. 


The  praying  spirit  breathe, 

The  watching  power  impart, 
From  all  entanglements  beneath 

Call  off  my  anxious  heart. 
My  feeble  mind  sustain, 

By  worldly  thoughts  oppressed  ; 

Appear,  and  bid  me  turn  again 

To  my  eternal  rest. 

C.  Wesley 

A  S  soon  as  we  are  with  God  in  faifl^  Slnd  in 
love,  we  are  in  prayer. 

FfiNELON. 

If  you  coukl  once  make  up  your  mind  in  the 
fear  of  God  never  to  undertake  more  work  of 
any  sort  than  you  can  carry  on  cahiily,  quietly, 
without  hurry  or  flurry,  and  the  instant  you  feel 
yourself  growing  nervous  and  like  one  out  of 
breath,  would  stop  and  take  breath,  you  would 
find  this  simple  common-sense  rule  doing  for  you 
what  no  prayers  or  tears  could  ever  accomplish. 

Elizabeth  Prentiss. 


How  excellent  is  Thy  lovino- kindness,  O  God  I 
therefore  the  children  of  men  put  their  trust  under 
the  shadow  of  Thy  wings.  —  Ps.  xxxvi.  7. 

The  eternal  God  is  thy  refuge,  and  underneath 
are  tlie  everlasting  arms.  —  Deut.  xxxiii.  27. 


Within  Thy  circling  arms  we  lie, 

O  God  !  in  Thy  infinity  : 
Our  souls  in  quiet  shall  abide, 

Beset  with  love  on  every  side. 

Anon. 


"T^HE  Everlasting  Arms."  I  think  of  that 
whenever  rest  is  sweet.  How  the  whole 
earth  and  the  strength  of  it,  that  is  almightiness, 
is  beneath  every  tired  creature  to  give  it  rest ; 
holding  us,  always  !  No  thought  of  God  is  closer 
than  that.  No  human  tenderness  of  patience  is 
greater  than  that  which  gathers  in  its  arms  a 
little  child,  and  holds  it,  heedless  of  weariness. 
And  He  fills  the  great  earth,  and  all  upon  it, 
with  this  unseen  force  of  His  love,  that  never  for- 
gets or  exhausts  itself,  so  that  everywhere  we 
may  lie  down  in  His  bosom,  and  be  comforted. 

A.  D.  T.  Whitney. 


266 


September  22. 


The  word  is  very  nigh  unto  thee,  in  thy  mouth, 
and  in  thy  hearty  that  thou  may  est  do  it.  —  Deut. 
XXX.  14- 

But,  above  all,  the  victory  is  most  sure 

For  him,  who,  seeking  faith  by  virtue,  strives 

To  yield  entire  obctlience  to  the  Law 

Of  Conscience  ;  Conscience  reverenced  and  obeyed, 

As  God's  most  intimate  presence  in  the  soul, 

And  His  most  perfect  image  in  the  world. 

\V.  Wordsworth. 

WHAT  we  call  Conscience  is  the  voice  of  Di- 
vine love  in  the  deep  of  our  being,  desir- 
ing union  with  our  will ;  and  wliich,  by  attracting 
the  affections  inward,  invites  them  to  enter  into 
the  harmonious  contentment,  and  "fulness  of 
joy "  which  attends  the  being  joined  by  "  one 

spirit  to  the  Lord."  ^  ^  r^ 

^  J.  P.  Greaves. 

I  REJOICE,  that  God  has  bestowed  upon  you  a 
relish  and  inclination  for  the  inner  life.  To  be 
called  to  this  precious  and  lofty  life  is  a  great  and 
undeserved  grace  of  Ood,  to  which  we  ought  to 
respond  with  great  faithfulness.  God  invites  us 
to  His  fellowship  of  love,  and  wishes  to  prepare 
our  spirit  to  be  His  own  abode  and  temple. 

Gerhard  Tersteegen. 


September  23. 


2fi7 


Snow  me  Thy  ways,   O  Lordj    teach  me  Thv 
paths,  —  Ps.  XXV.  4. 


When  we  cannot  see  our  way. 
Let  us  trust  and  still  obey; 
He  who  bids  us  forward  go, 
Cannot  fail  the  way  to  show. 
Though  the  sea  be  deep  and  wide. 
Though  a  passage  seem  denied  ; 
Fearless  let  us  still  proceed, 
Since  the  Lord  vouchsafes  to  lead. 


Anon 


'J^HAT  which  is  often  asked  of  God,  is  not  so 
much  His  will  and  way,  as  His  approval  of 
our  way. 

S.  F.  Smiley. 

There  is  nothing  like  the  first  glance  we  get 
at  duty,  before  there  has  been  any  special  plead- 
ing of  our  affections  or  inclinations.     Duty  is 
never  uncertain  at  first.     It  is  only  after  we  have 
got  involved  in  the  mazes  and  sophistries  of  wish- 
ing that  things  were  otherwise  than  they  are,  that 
it  seems  indistinct.     Considering  a  duty  is  often 
only  explaining  it  away.     Deliberation  is  often 
only  dishonesty.     God's  guidance  is  plain,  when 
we  are  true. 

F.  W.  Robertson. 


268 


September  24. 


September  25. 


269 


When  I  awakey   /  am  still  with   Thee.  —  Ps. 
cxxxix.  18. 

Let  the  glow  of  love  destroy 
Cold  obedience  faintly  given  ; 
Wake  our  hearts  to  strength  and  joy 
With  the  flushing  eastern  heaven. 
Let  us  truly  rise,  ere  yet 

Life  be  set.  Rosen  roth. 

WITH  his  first  waking  consciousness,  he  can 
set  himself  to  take  a  serious,  manly  v^iew 
of  the  clay  before  him.  He  ought  to  know  pretty 
well  on  what  lines  his  difficulty  is  likely  to  come, 
whether  in  being  irritable,  or  domineering,  or 
sharp  in  his  bargains,  or  self-absorbed,  or  what- 
ever it  be ;  and  now,  in  this  quiet  hour,  he  can 
lake  a  good,  full  look  at  his  enemy,  and  make  up 
his  mind  to  beat  him.  It  is  a  good  time,  too, 
for  giving  his  thoughts  a  range  quite  beyond  him- 
self,—  beyond  even  his  own  moral  struggles, 
—  a  good  time,  there  in  the  stillness,  for  going 
into  the  realm  of  other  Hves.  His  wife,  —  what 
needs  has  she  for  help,  for  sympathy,  that  he 
can  meet?  His  children,  —  how  can  he  make 
the  day  sweeter  to  them?  This  acquaintance, 
who  is  having  a  hard  time ;  this  friend,  who 
dropped  a  word  to  you  yesterday  that  you 
hardly  noticed  in  your  hurry,  but  that  comes 
up  to  you  now,  revealing  in  him  some  finer 
trait,  some  deeper  hunger,  than  you  had  guessed 
before,  —  now  you  can  think  these  things  over. 
So  you  get  your  day  somewhat  into  right  per- 
spective and  proportion  before  you  begin  it. 

G.  S.  Merriam. 


Ye  shall  rejoice  in  all  that  ye  put  your  hand 
unto,  ye  and  your  households,  wherein  the  Lord  thy 
God  hath  blessed  thee.  —  Deut.  xii.  7. 

SWEKT  is  the  smile  of  home ;  the  mutual  look 

When  hearts  are  of  each  other  sure  ; 
Sweet  all  the  joys  that  crowd  the  household  nook. 

Ihe  haunts  of  all  affections  pure. 

J.  Kerle. 

JS  there  any  tie  which  absence  has  loosened,  or 
which  the  wear  and  tear  of  every-day  inter- 
course, little  uncongenialities,  unconfessed  mis- 
understandings, have  fretted  into  the  heart,  until 
it  bears  something  of  the  nature  of  a  fetter? 
Any  cup  at  our  home-table  whose  sweetness  we 
have  not  fully  tasted,  although  it  might  yet  make 
of  our  daily  bread  a  continual  feast?  Let  us 
reckon  up  these  treasures  while  they  are  still  ours, 
in  thankfulness  to  God. 

Elizabeth  Charles. 

We  ought  daily  or  weekly  to  dedicate  a  little 
time  to  the  reckoning  up  of  the  virtues  of  our 
belongings,  —  wife,  children,  friends, —  and  con- 
templating  them  then  in  a  ])cautiful  collection. 
And  we  should  do  so  now,  tliat  \vc  may  not  par- 
don and  love  in  vain  and  toO  late,  after  I  he  be- 
loved one  has  been  taken  away  from  us  to  a 
better  world. 

Jean  Paul  Richt^r. 


270 


September  20. 


Veaf  ihoui^h  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadoTV  of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil ;  for  Thou  art 
with  me;  Thy  rod  and  Thy  staff,  they  comfort  men 
—  Ps.  xxiii.  4. 


O  Will,  that  wiliest  good  alone, 

Lead  Thou  the  way,  Thou  guidest  best  j 
A  silent  child,  I  follow  on. 

And  trusting  lean  upon  Thy  breast. 
And  if  in  gloom  1  see  Thee  not, 

I  lean  upon  Thy  love  unknown ; 
In  me  Thy  blessed  will  is  wrought, 

If  I  will  nothing  of  my  own. 

Gerhard  Tersteegen. 


'T^HE  devout  soul  is  always  safe  in  every  state, 
if  it  makes  everything  an  occasion  either  of 
rising  up,  or  falling  down  into  the  hands  of  God, 
and  exercising  faith,  and  trust,  and  resignation  to 
Him.  The  pious  soul,  that  eyes  only  God,  that 
means  nothing  but  being  His  alone,  can  have  no 
stop  put  to  its  progress;  light  and  darkness 
equally  assist  him :  in  the  light  he  looks  up  to 
God,  in  the  darkness  he  lays  hold  on  Clod,  and 
so  they  both  do  him  the  same  good. 

Wm.  Law. 


September  27. 


27F 


When  I  sit  in  darkness,  the  Lord  shall  be  a  light 
unto  me.  —  Micah  vii.  8. 

There  be  many  that  say,  Who  will  show  us  any 
goodf  Lord,  lift  Thou  up  the  light  of  Ihy  counte- 
mance  upon  us.  —  Ps.  iv.  6. 


IIow  oft  a  gleam  of  glory  sent 

Straight  through  the  deepest,  darkest  night, 
Has  filled  the  soul  with  heavenly  light, 

With  holy  peace  and  sweet  content. 

Anon. 

CUPPOSE  you  are  bewildered  and  know  not 
what  is  right  nor   what  is  true.     Can  you 
not   cease  to   regard  whether    you  do   or   not, 
whether  you  be  bewildered,  whether  you  be  hap- 
py?    Cannot  you  utterly  and  perfectly  love,  and 
rejoice  to  l)e  in  tlie  dark,  and  gloom-beset,  be- 
cause that  very  thing  is  the  fact  of  God's  Infinite 
lieing  as  it  is  to  you?    Cannot  you  take  this  trial 
also  into  your  own  heart,  and  l)e  ignorant,  not 
because  you  are  obliged,  but  because  that  being 
(iod's  will,  it  is    yours  also?     Do  you  not  see 
that  a  person  who  truly  loves  is  one  with  the  In- 
finite Being— cannot  be  uncomfortable  or  un- 
hai)py?     It  is  that  which    is   that  he  wills  and 
desires  and  holds  best  of  all  to  be.     To  know 
God  is  utterly  to  sacrifice  self. 

James  Hinton. 


272 


September  28. 


My  little  children,  let  us  not  love  in  word,  neither 
in  tongue;  but  in  deed,  and  in  truth.  —  i  John 
iii.  i8. 

But  be  ye  doers  of  the  word,  and  not  hearers  only^ 
deceiving  your  own  selves.  — James  i.  22. 

Thrice  blest  whose  lives  are  faithful  prayers, 
Whose  loves  in  higher  love  endure  ; 
What  souls  possess  themselves  so  pure. 

Or  is  there  blessedness  like  theirs? 

A.  Tennyson. 

T  ET  every  creature  have  your  love.  Love, 
■^^  with  its  fruits  of  meekness,  patience,  and 
humility,  is  all  that  we  can  wish  for  to  ourselves, 
and  our  fellow-creatures  ;  for  this  is  to  live  in 
God,  united  to  Him,  both  for  time  and  eternity. 
To  desire  to  communicate  good  to  every  creature, 
in  the  degree  we  can,  and  it  is  capable  of  receiv- 
ing from  us,  is  a  divine  temper ;  for  thus  (iod 
stands  unchangeably  disposed  towards  the  whole 

creation. 

Wm.  Law. 

What  shall  be  our  reward  for  loving  our  neigh- 
bor as  ourselves  in  this  life?  That,  when  we 
become  angels,  we  shall  be  enabled  to  love  him 

better  than  ourselves. 

E.  Sweden BORG. 


September  29. 


273 


Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart;  for  they  shall  see 
God.  — Matt.  v.  8. 

Follow  peace  with  all  men,  and  holiness,  without 
which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord.  —  Heb.  xii.  14. 


Since  Thou  Thyself  dost  still  display 

Unto  the  pure  in  heart, 
Oh,  make  us  children  of  the  day 

To  know  Thee  as  Thou  art. 
For  Thou  art  light  and  life  and  love; 

And  Thy  redeemed  below 
May  see  Thee  as  Thy  saints  above, 

And  know  Thee  as  they  know. 

J.  Montgomery. 

T^OUBT,  gloom,  impatience,  have  been  ex- 
pelled ;  joy  has  taken  their  place,  the  hope 
of  heaven  and  the  harmony  of  a  pure  heart,  the 
triumph  of  self-mastery,  sober  thoughts,  and  a 
contented  mind.  How  can  charity  towards  all 
men  fail  to  follow,  being  the  mere  affectionateness 
of  innocence  and  peace  ?  Thus  the  Spirit  of  God 
creates  in  us  the  simplicity  and  warmth  of  heart 
which  children  have,  nay,  rather  the  perfections 
of  His  heavenly  hosts,  high  and  low  being  joined 
together  in  His  mysterious  work ;  for  what  art 
implicit  trust,  ardent  love,  abiding  purity,  but 
the  mind  both  of  little  children  and  of  the  adoring 
Seraphim  1 

J.  H.  Newman. 
18 


274 


September  30. 


Lord^  who  shall  abide  in  Thy  tabernacle  ?  Who 
shall  dwell  in  Thy  holy  hill  ?  He  that  walketh 
uprightly ^  and  worketh  righteousness,  and  speaketh 
the  truth  in  his  heart.  —  Ps.  xv.  1,2. 


How  happy  is  he  born  or  taught, 

That  serveth  not  another's  will, 
Whose  armor  is  his  honest  thought, 

And  simple  truth  his  utmost  skill. 

H.   WOTTON. 


TF  thou  workest  at  that  which  is  before  thee, 
following  right  reason,  seriously,  vigorously, 
calmly,  without  allowing  anything  else  to  distract 
thee,  but  keeping  thy  divine  part  pure  as  if  thou 
shouldest  be  bound  to  give  it  back  immediately, 
—  if  thou  boldest  to  this,  expecting  nothing,  fear- 
ing nothing,  but  satisfied  with  thy  present  activity 
according  to  nature,  and  with  heroic  truth  in 
every  word  and  sound  which  thou  utterest,  thou 
wilt  live  happy.  And  there  is  no  man  who  is 
able  to  prevent  this. 

Marcus  Antoninus 


October  1. 


275 


Be  strong,  all  ye  people  of  the  land,  saith  the 
Lord,  and  work;  for  I  am  with  you,  saith  the  Lord 
of  hosts,  —  Haggai  ii.  4. 


Yet  the  world  is  Thy  field,  Thy  gai^kn; 
On  earth  art  Thou  still  at  home. 
When  Thou  bendest  hither  Thy  hallowing  eye. 
My  narrow  work-room  seems  vast  and  high, 
Its  dingy  ceiling  a  rainbow-dome, — 
Stand  ever  thus  at  my  wide-swung  door, 
And  toil  will  be  toil  no  more. 

L.  Larcom. 

nPHE  situation  that  has  not  its  duty,  its  ideal, 
was  never  yet  occupied  by  man.  Yes, 
here,  in  this  poor,  miserable,  hampered,  despica- 
ble Actual,  wherein  thou  even  now  standest,  here 
or  nowhere  is  thy  Ideal :  work  it  out  therefrom  ; 
and  working,  believe,  live,  be  free.  Fool !  the 
Ideal  is  in  thyself,  the  impediment  too  is  in 
thyself:  thy  condition  is  but  the  stuff  thou  art 
to  shape  that  same  Ideal  out  of:  what  matters 
whether  such  stuff  be  of  this  sort  or  that,  so  the 
form  thou  givest  it  be  heroic,  be  poetic.  O  thou 
that  pinest  in  the  imprisonment  of  the  Actual, 
and  criest  bitterly  to  the  gods  for  a  kingdom 
wherein  to  rule  and  create,  know  this  of  a  truth : 
the  thing  thou  seekest  is  already  with  thee,  "  here 

or  nowhere,"  couldst  thou  only  see  ! 

T.  Carlvlk. 


276 


October  2. 


October  3. 


277 


/ am  purposed  that  my  mouth  shall  not  trans- 
gress. — Ps.  xvii.  3. 

In  the  multitude  of  words  there  wanteth  not  sin  . 
but  he  that  refraineth  his  lips  is  wise.  —  Prov. 
X.   19. 

Prune  thou  thy  words;  the  thoughts  control 

That  o'er  thee  swell  and  throng  ; 
They  will  condense  within  thy  soul, 

And  change  to  purpose  strong. 

J.  H.  Newman. 

'pEW  men  suspect  how  much  mere  talk  fritters 
-*-  away  spiritual  energy,  —  that  which  should 
be  spent  in  action,  spends  itself  in  words.  Hence 
he  who  restrains  that  love  of  talk,  lays  up  a  fund 
of  spiritual  strength. 

F.   W.    Roi'.EKTSON. 

Do  not  flatter  yourself  that  your  thoughts  are 
under  due  control,  your  desires  properly  regulated, 
or  your  dispositions  subject  as  they  should  be  to 
Christian  principle,  if  your  intercourse  with  others 
consists  mainly  of  frivolous  gossij),  impertinent 
anecdotes,  speculations  on  the  character  and 
affairs  of  your  neighbors,  the  repetition  of  former 
conversations,  or  a  discussion  of  the  current  petty 
scandal  of  society ;  much  less,  if  you  allow  your- 
self in  careless  exaggeration  on  all  these  points 
and  that  grievous  inattention  to  exact  truth,  which 
is  apt  to  attend  the  statements  of  those  whose 
conversation  is  made  up  of  these  materials. 

H.  Ware,  [r 


Judge  not,  that  ye  be  not  judged.  —  Matt.  vii.  i. 

Why  beholdest  thou  the  iuote  that  is  in  thy 
brothers  eyej  but  perceives t  not  the  beam  that  is 
in  thine  own  eye  ?  —  Luke  vi.  41. 

Judge  not ;  the  workings  of  his  brain 
And  of  his  heart  thou  canst  not  see; 

What  looks  to  thy  dim  eyes  a  stain, 
In  God's  pure  light  may  only  be 

A  scar,  brought  from  some  well-won  field. 

Where  thou  wouldst  only  faint  and  yield. 

Adelaide  A.  Procter. 

T\/'HEN  you  behold  an  aspect  for  whose  con- 
stant  gloom  and  frown  you  cannot  ac- 
count, whose  unvarying  cloud  exasperates  you  by 
its  ai)i>arent  causelessness,  be  sure  that  there  is 
a  canker  somewhere,  and  a  canker  not  the  less 
deeply  corroding  because  concealed. 

Charlotte  Bronte. 

While  we  are  coldly  discussing  a  man's  career, 
sneering  at  his  mistakes,  blaming  his  rashness 
and  labelling  his  opinions —  "  Evangelical  an.  I 
narrow,'*  or  "  Latitudinarian  and  Pantheistic," 
or  "  Anglican  and  supercilious  '■'  —  that  man,  in 
his  solitude,  is  perhaps  sliedding  hot  tears  because 
his  sacrifice  is  a  hard  one,  because  strength  and 
patience  are  failing  him  to  speak  the  difficult 
word,  and  do  the  difficult  deed. 

George  Euot 


278 


October  4. 


Be  strongy  and  of  a  good  courage ;  be  not  afraid^ 
neither  be  thou  dismayed :  for  the  Lord  thy  God  is 
with  thee  whithersoever  thou  goest»  — JosH    i.  9. 


By  Thine  unerring  Spirit  led, 
We  shall  not  in  the  desert  stray; 

We  shall  not  full  direction  need. 
Nor  miss  our  providential  way ; 

As  far  from  danger  as  from  fear. 

While  love,  almighty  love,  is  near. 

Charles  Wesley. 

I17ATCH  your  way  then,  as  a  cautious  trav- 
eller ;  and  don't  be  gazing  at  that  moun- 
tain or  river  in  the  distance,  and  saying,  "  How 
shall  I  ever  get  over  them?'*  but  keep  to  the 
present  little  inch  that  is  before  you,  and  accom- 
plish that  in  the  little  moment  that  belongs  to  it. 
The  mountain  and  the  river  can  only  be  passed 
in  the  same  way ;  and,  when  you  come  to  them, 
you  will  come  to   the  light   and   strength   that 

belong  to  them. 

M.  A.  Kelty. 

Let  not  future  things  disturb  thee,  for  thou 
wilt  come  to  them,  if  it  shall  be  necessary,  hav- 
ing with  thee  the  same  reason  which  thou  now 

usest  for  present  things. 

Marcus  Antoninus. 


October  5. 


279 


Say  to  them  that  are  of  a  fearful  heart,,  Be 
strong,  fear  not.  —  Is  A.  xxxv.  4. 


Why  shouldst  thou  fill  to-day  with  sorrow 
About  to-morrow, 
My  heart  ? 
One  watches  all  with  care  most  true, 
Doubt  not  that  He  will  give  thee  too 
Thy  part. 

Paul  Flemming. 


nPHE  crosses  which  we  make  for  ourselves  by 
a  restless  anxiety  as  to  the  future,  are  not 
crosses  which  come  from  God.  We  show  want 
of  faith  in  Him  by  our  false  wisdom,  wishing  to 
forestall  His  arrangements,  and  struggling  to  sup- 
plement His  Providence  by  our  own  providence. 
The  future  is  not  yet  ours ;  perhaps  it  never  will 
l)e.  If  it  comes,  it  may  come  wholly  different 
from  what  we  have  foreseen.  Let  us  shut  our 
eyes,  then,  to  that  which  God  hides  from  us,  and 
keeps  in  reserve  in  the  treasures  of  His  deep 
counsels.  Let  us  worship  without  seeing ;  let  us 
be  silent ;  let  us  abide  in  peace. 

Fenelon. 


28o 


October  6. 


/  had  fainted^  unless  I  had  believed  to  see  iJu 
goodness  of  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living. 
—  Ps.  xxvii.  13. 

/  will  surely  do  thee  good.  —  Gen.  xxxii.  12. 


Thou  know'st  not  what  is  good  for  thee. 

But  God  doth  know,  — 
Let  Him  thy  strong  reliance  be, 

And  rest  thee  so. 

C.  F.  Gellert. 

T  ET  us  be  very  careful  of  thinking,  on  the  one 
hand,  that  we  have  no  work  assigned  us  to 
do,  or,  on  the  other  hand,  that  what  we  have  as- 
signed to  us  is  not  the  right  thing  for  us.  If  ever 
we  can  say  in  our  hearts  to  (lod,  in  reference  to 
any  daily  duty,  '*This  is  not  my  place ;  I  would 
choose  something  dearer ;  I  am  capable  of 
something  higher ; "  we  are  guilty  not  only  of 
rebellion,  but  of  blasphemy.  It  is  equivalent  to 
saying,  not  only,  "  My  heart  revolts  against  Thy 
commands,"  but  "  Thy  commands  are  unwise ; 
Thine  Almighty  guidance  is  unskilful ;  Thine 
omniscient  eye  has  mistaken  the  capacities  of 
Thy  creature ;  Tliine  infinite  love  is  indifferent 

to  the  welfare  of  Thy  child." 

Elizabeth  CtfAlLES. 


October  7. 


281 


And  because  ye  are  sons,  God  hath  sent  the  spirit 
of  His  Son  into  your  hearts,  crying,  Abba,  Father- 
—  Gal.  iv.  6. 


O  Lord,  forgive  my  sin, 

And  deign  to  put  within 
A  cahn,  ol)edient  heart,  a  i)atient  mind ; 

That  I  may  murmur  nut, 

Though  bitter  seem  my  lot; 
For  hearts  unthankful  can  no  blessing  find. 

Run  LI  us,  1604. 


13  ESIGNATION  to  the  Divine  Will  signifies  a 
cheerful  approbation  and  thankful  accept- 
ance of  everything  that  comes  from  God.  It  is 
not  enough  patiently  to  submit,  but  we  must 
thankfully  receive  and  fully  approve  of  every- 
thing that,  by  the  order  of  (Jod's  providence, 
hai)pens  to  us.  For  there  is  no  reason  why  we 
should  be  patient,  but  what  is  as  good  and  as 
strong  a  reason  wliy  we  should  be  thankful.  When- 
ever, therefore,  you  find  yourself  disposed  to  un- 
easiness or  murmuring  at  any  thing  that  is  the 
effect  of  (rod's  providence  over  you,  you  must 
look  upon  yourself  as  denying  either  the  wisdom 
or  goodness  of  God. 

Wm.  Law- 


282 


October  8. 


Ye  shall  not  go  out  with  haste,  for  the  Lord  will 
go  before  you  ;  and  the  God  of  Israel  will  be  your 
rereward.  —  IsA.  lii.  12. 

He  that  believeth  shall  not  make  haste.  —  Is  A. 
xxviii.  16. 

Holy  Spirit,  Peace  divine  I 
Still  this  restless  heart  of  mine; 
Speak  to  calm  this  tossing  sea, 
Stayed  in  Thy  tranquillity. 

S.  Longfellow 

TN  whatever  you  are  called  upon  to  do,  en- 
-*■  deavor  to  maintain  a  calm,  collected,  and 
prayerful  state  of  mind.  Self-recollection  is  of 
great  importance.  "  It  is  good  for  a  man  to 
quietly  wait  for  the  salvation  of  the  Lord." 
He  who  is  in  what  may  be  called  a  spiritual 
hurry,  or  rather  who  runs  without  having  evidence 
of  being  spiritually  sent,  makes  haste  to  no 
purpose.  T.  C  Upham. 

There  is  great  fret  and  worry  in  always  run- 
ning after  work ;  it  is  not  good  intellectually  or 
spiritually. 

Annie  Keary- 

Whenfa'ek  we  are  outwardly  excited  we  should 
cease  to  act ;  but  whenever  we  have  a  message 
from  the  spirit  within,  we  should  execute  it  with 
calmness.  A  fine  day  may  excite  one  to  act, 
but  it  is  much  better  that  we  act  from  the  calm 
spirit  in  any  day,  be  the  outward  what  it  may. 

J.  P.  Greaves 


October  9. 


283 


As  for  me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve  the  Lord 
—  Josh.  xxiv.  15. 

O  HAPPY  house  !  and  happy  servitude  ! 

Where  all  alike  one  Master  own ; 
Where  daily  duty,  in  Thy  strength  pursued, 

Is  never  hard  or  toilsome  known  ; 
WHiere  each  one  serves  Thee,  meek  and  lowly. 

Whatever  Thme  appointment  be, 
Till  common  tasks  seem  great  and  holy 

When  they  are  done  as  unto  Thee.     * 

C.  J.  P.  Spitta. 

AT  Dudson  there  was  no  rushing  after  anything, 
either  worklly   or   intellectual.     It  was  a 
home   of    constant   activity,    issuing   from,    and 
retiring  to,  a  centre  of  deep  repose.     There  was 
an  earnest  application  of  excellent  sense  to  the 
daily  duties  of  life,  to  the  minutest  courtesy  and 
kmdness,  as  well  as  to  the  real  interests  of  others. 
Everything   great  and   everything  little   seemed 
done  in  the  same  spirit,  and  with  the  same  degree 
of  fidelity,  because  it  was  the  will  of  (Jod  ;  and 
that  which  could  not  be  traced  to  His  will  was 
not  imdertaken  at  all.  .  .  .  Nothing  at  Dudson 
was  esteemed    too    little    to  be    cared    for,  and 
nothing  too  great  to  be  undertaken  at  the  com- 
mand of  (;od  ;  and  for  this  they  daily  exercised 
their  mental  and  bodily  powers   on  the   things 
arotind  them  ;  knowing  that  our  Lord  thoroughly 
fiirnishes  each  of  His  soldiers  for  his  work,  and 
places  before  each  the  task  he  has  to  do. 

M.  A.   SCHIMMELPENNINCK. 


284 


October  10. 


October  11. 


285 


Now  tfu  Lord  of  peace  Himself  give  you  peace 
always,  by  all  means.  —  2  Thess.  iii.  i6. 

The  Lord  will  give  strength  unto  His  peopte;  the 
Lord  will  bless  His  people  with  peace.  —  -Ps.  xxix. 
II. 

In  the  heart's  depths  a  peace  serene  and  holy 
Abides,  and  when  pain  seems  to  have  its  will, 

Or  we  despair,  —  oh,  may  that  peace  rise  slowly, 
Stronger  than  agony,  and  we  be  still. 

S.  Johnson. 

OUT  if  a  man  ought  and  is  willing  to  lie  still 
^  under  God's  hand,  he  must  and  ought  also 
to  lie  still  under  all  things,  whether  they  come 
from  God,  himself,  or  the  creatures,  nothing 
excepted.  And  he  who  would  be  obedient, 
resigned,  and  submissive  to  God,  must  and  ought 
to  be  also  resigned,  obedient,  and  submissive  to 
all  things,  in  a  spirit  of  yielding,  and  not  of 
resistance ;  and  take  them  in  silence,  resting 
on  the  hidden  foundations  of  his  soul,  and  having 
a  secret  inward  patience,  that  enableth  him  to 
take  all  chances  or  crosses  willingly  ;  and,  what- 
ever befalleth,  neither  to  call  for  nor  desire 
any  redress,  or  deliverance,  or  rc>i>'ance,  or 
revenge,  but  always  in  a  loving,  sincere  humility 
to  cry,  "  Father,  forgive  them,  for  they  know  not 

what  they  do  1 " 

Theologia  German  ica. 


And  when  the  people  complained,  it  displeased  tki 
l^rd.  —  Num.  xi.  i. 


When  thou  hast  thanked  thy  God 

For  every  blessing  sent, 
What  time  will  then  remain 

For  murmurs  or  lament  ? 

R.  C.  Trench. 


T  ET  him,  with  a  cheerful  and  thankful  spirit, 
yield  himself  up  to  suffer  whatever  God 
shall  appoint  unto  him,  and  to  fulfil,  according  to 
his  power,  by  the  grace  of  God,  all  His  holy  will 
to  the  utmost  that  he  can  discern  it,  and  never 
complain  of  his  distresses  but  to  God  alone  with 
entire  and  humble  resignation,  praying  that  he 
may  be  strong  to  endure  all  his  sufferings  accord- 
ing to  the  will  of  God. 

John  Tauler. 

He  who  complains,  or  thinks  he  has  a  right  to 
complain,  because  he  is  called  in  God's  Provi- 
dence to  suffer,  has  something  within  him  which 
needs  to  be  taken  away.  A  soul  whose  will  is 
lost  in  God's  will,  can  never  do  this.  Sorrow 
may  exist ;  but  complaint  never. 

Catherine  Adorna. 


286 


October  12. 


October  13. 


287 


Singing  and  tnaking  melody  in  your  heart  to  tht 
Lord,  —  Eph.  v.  19. 

Sanctify  the  Lord  God  in  your  hearts,  —  i   Pe- 
ter iii.  15. 

There  arc  in  this  loud  stunning  tide 

Of  human  care  and  crime, 
With  whom  the  melodies  abide 

Of  th'  everlasting  chime  ; 
Who  carry  music  in  their  heart 
Through  dusky  lane  and  wrangling  mart. 
Plying  their  daily  task  with  busier  feet. 
Because  their  secret  souls  a  holy  strain  re[>eat. 

J.  Keble 

OTRIVE  to  carry  thyself  with  a  total  resigna- 
tion  to  the  Divine  Will,  that  God  may  do 
with  thee  and  all  thine  according  to  His  heavenly 
pleasure,  relying  on  Him  as  on  a  kind  and  loving 
Father.  Never  recall  that  intention,  and  though 
thou  beest  taken  up  about  the  affairs  of  the  con- 
dition wherein  God  hath  placed  thee,  yet  thou 
wilt  still  be  in  prayer,  in  the  presence  of  (iod, 
and  in  perpetual  acts  of  resignation.  "  A  just 
man  leaves  not  off  to  pray  unless  he  leaves  off  to 
be  just."  He  always  prays  who  always  does  well. 
The  good  desire  is  prayer,  and  if  the  desire  be 
continued  so  also  is  the  prayer. 

M.    MOLINOS 


We  desire  that  every  one  of  you  do  show  the  same 
diligence  to  the  fill  assurance  of  hope  unto  the  end. 
—  He  15.  vi.  II. 

The  Lord  is  faithful,  ivho  shall  stahlish  you^  and 
keep  you  from  ei'il.  —  2  Thess.  iii.  3. 

LOxN'G  though  my  task  may  be, 

Cometh  the  end. 
God  't  is  that  helpeth  me, 
His  is  the  work,  and  He 
New  strength  will  lend. 

Anon. 

C  ET  yourself  steadfastly  to  tnose  duties  which 
have  the  least  attractive  exterior  ;  it  matters 
not  whether  God's  holy  will  be  fulfilled  in  great 
or  small  matters.  Be  patient  with  yourself  and 
your  own  failings ;  never  be  in  a  hurry,  and  do 
not  yield  to  longings  after  that  which  is  impossi- 
ble to  you.  My  dear  sister,  go  on  steadily  and 
quietly ;  if  our  dear  Lord  means  you  to  run,  He 
will  "  strengthen  your  heart." 

Francis  de  Sales. 

Always  begin  by  doing  that  which  costs  me 
most,  unless  the  easier  duty  is  a  pressing  one. 
Examine,  classify,  and  determine  at  night  the 
work  of  the  morrow  ;  arrange  things  in  the  order 
of  their  importance,  and  act  accordingly.  Dread, 
al)ove  all  things,  bitterness  and  irritation.  Never 
say,  or  indirectly  recall  anything  to  my  advantage. 

Madame  Swetchine. 


288 


October  14. 


He  that  sinneth  against  Me  wrongeth  his  own 
soul:  all  they  that  hate  Me  love  death.  —  Pro  v. 
viii.  36. 

But  now  being  made  free  from  sin,  and  become 
servants  to  God,  ye  have  your  fruit  unto  holiness^ 
and  the  end  everlasting  life.  For  the  wages  of  sin 
is  death  ;  but  the  gift  of  God  is  eternal  life  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  —  RoM.  vi.  22,  23. 

O  SovERKiGN  Love,  to  Thcc  I  cry! 
Give  me  Thyself,  or  else  I  die  ! 
Save  me  from  death  ;  from  hell  set  free ! 
Death,  hell,  arc  but  the  want  of  Thee. 
Quickened  by  Thy  imparted  tiame, 
Saved  when  possessed  of  Thee,  I  am: 
My  life,  my  only  heaven  Thou  art ; 
O  might  I  feel  Thee  in  my  heart ! 

C.  Wesley. 

OIN  itself  is  hell,  and  death,  and  misery  to  the 
soul,  as  being  a  dei)arture  from  goodness 
and  holiness  itself;  I  mean  from  God,  in  con- 
junction with  whom  the  happiness,  and  blessed- 
ness, and  heaven  of  a  soul  doth  consist.  Avoid 
it,  therefore,  as  you  would  avoid  being  miserable. 

Samuel  Shaw. 

**  I  COULD  n't  live  in  peace  if  I  put  the  shadow 
of  a  wilful  sin  between  myself  and  God." 

George  Eliot. 

Unholy  tempers  are  always  unhappy  tempers. 

John  Wesley. 


October  15. 


289 


Mine  iniquitUs  have  taken  hold  upon  me,  so  thai 
I  am  not  able  to  look  tip  ;  therefore  my  heart faileth 
me.  Be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  deliver  me;  O  Lord, 
make  haste  to  lulp  me.  — Ps.  xl.  12,  13. 

ISin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you.  —  Rom. 
vi.  14. 


O  Thou,  to  whose  all-searching  sight 
The  darkness  shineth  as  the  light  I 
Search,  prove  my  heart  ;  it  pants  for  Thee  s 
Oh,  burst  these  bonds,  and  set  it  free  I 

G.  TersteecJEN. 


'VT'ES,  this  sin  which  has  sent  me  weary-hearted 
to  bed  and  desperate  in  heart  to  morn- 
ing work,  that  has  made  my  plans  miscarry  until 
I  am  a  coward,  that  cuts  me  off  from  prayer,  that 
robs  the  sky  of  blueness  and  the  earth  of  spring- 
time, and  the  air  of  freshness,  and  human  faces 
of  friendliness,  —  this  blasting  sin  which  perhaps 
has  made  my  bed  in  hell  for  me  so  long,  —  this 
can  be  conquered.  I  do  not  say  annihilated,  but, 
better  than  that,  conquered,  ca])tured  and  trans- 
figured into  a  friend :  so  that  I  at  last  shall  say, 
"  My  temptation  has  become  my  strength  !  for 
to  the  very  fight  with  it  I  ov^^e  my  force." 

W.  C.  Gannett. 
19 


290 


October  16. 


I  am  not  worthy  of  the  least  of  all  the  mercies, 
and  of  all  the  truth,  which  Thou  hast  showed  unto 
Thy  servant.  —  Gen.  xxxii.  io. 

Some  nuimuir  if  their  sky  is  clear, 

And  wholly  bright  to  view, 
If  one  small  speck  of  dark  apj^ear 

In  their  great  heaven  of  blue  : 
And  some  with  thankful  love  are  filled, 

If  but  one  streak  of  light, 
One  ray  of  God's  good  mercy,  gild 

The  darkness  of  their  night. 

R.  C.  Trencil 

LJABITUAL  siifTerers  are  'precisely  those  who 
least  freciuently  doubt  the  Divine  benevo- 
lence, and  whose  faith  and  love  rise  to  the  seren- 
est  cheerfulness.  Possessed  by  no  idea  of  a 
prescriptive  right  to  be  happy,  their  blessings  are 
not  benumbed  by  anticipation,  but  come  to  them 
fresh  ard  brilliant  as  the  first  day's  morning  and 
evening  light  to  the  dwellers  in  Paradise.  With 
the  happy  it  is  their  constant  peace  that  S(?ems 
to  come  by  nature,  and  to  be  l)lunted  by  its  com- 
monness, —  and  their  griefs  to  come  from  God, 
sharpened  l)y  their  sacred  origin  ;  with  the 
sufferer,  it  is  his  pain  that  appears  to  be  a  thing 
of  course,  and  to  require  no  explanation,  while 
his  relief  is  reverentlv  welcomed  as  a  divine  in- 
terposition,  and,  as  a  breath  of  Heaven,  caresses 
the  heart  into  melodies  of  praise. 

J.  Martineau 


October  17. 


291 


Hath  the  Lord  as  great  delight  in  burnt-offerings 
and  sacrifices,  as  in  obeying  the  voice  of  the  Lord  ? 
Behold,  to  obey  is  better  than  sacrifice,  —  i  Sam. 
XV.  22. 

Fear  ye  not,  stand  still,  and  see  the  salvation  of 
the  Lord,  which  He  will  show  to  you  to-day. 
^-  Ex.  xiv.  13. 

The  folded  hands  seem  idle : 

If  folded  at  His  word, 
'T  is  a  holy  service,  trust  me, 

In  obedience  to  the  Lord. 

Anna  Shipton. 

TT  is  not  the  multitude  of  hard  duties,  it  is  not 
constraint  and  contention  that  advance  us 
in  our  Christian  course.  On  the  contrary,  it  is 
the  yielding  of  our  wills  without  restriction  and 
without  choice,  to  tread  cheerfully  every  day  in 
the  path  in  which  Providence  leads  us,  to  seek 
nothing,  to  be  discouraged  by  nothing,  to  see 
our  duty  in  the  present  moment,  to  trust  all  else 
without  reserve  to  the  will  and  power  of  God. 

Fenelon. 

Godliness  is  the  devotion  of  the  soul  to  God, 
as  to  a  living  person  whose  will  is  to  be  its  law, 
whose  love  is  to  be  its  life.  It  is  the  habit  of 
living  before  the  face  of  God,  and  not  the  simply 
doing  certain  things. 

y.  B.  Brown, 


292 


October  18. 


ir 


Except  your  righteousness  shall  exceed  the  right' 
eousness  of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees^  ye  shall  in 
no  case  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  —  Matt. 
V.  20. 

The  freedom  from  all  wilful  sin, 
The  Christian's  daily  task,  — 

Oh  these  are  graces  far  below 
What  longing  love  would  ask  ! 

Dole  not  thy  duties  out  to  God. 

F.  W.  Faber. 

^VrOU  perhaps  will  say  that  all  people  fall  short 
of  the  perfection  of  the  Gospel,  and  there- 
fore you  are  content  with  your  failings.  But 
this  is  saying  nothing  to  the  purpose  :  for  the 
question  is  not  whether  Gospel  perfection  can 
be  fully  attained,  but  whether  you  come  as  near 
it  as  a  sincere  intention  and  careful  diligence  can 
carry  you.  Whether  you  are  not  in  a  much 
lower  state  than  you  might  be  if  you  sincerely  in- 
tended and  carefully  labored  to  advance  your- 
self in  all  Christian  virtues. 

Wm.  Law. 

We  know  not  exactly  how  low  the  least  degree 
of  obedience  is,  which  will  bring  a  man  to 
heaven ;  but  this  we  are  quite  sure  of,  that  he 
who  aims  no  higher  will  l)e  sure  to  fall  short  even 
of  that,  and  that  he  who  gees  farthest  beyond 
it  will  be  most  blessed. 

John  Keble. 


I 


October  19. 


293 


Thus  saith  the  Lord,  thy  Redeemer,  the  Holy 
One  of  Israel ;  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God  which 
teacheth  thee  to  profit,  which  Icadeth  thee  by  the 
way  thou  shouldest go.  —  IsA.  xlviii.  17. 

I  SEEK  Thy  aid,  I  ask  direction, 

Teach  me  to  do  what  pleaseth  Thee ; 

I  can  bear  toil,  endure  afitliction, 
Only  Thy  leadings  let  me  see. 

Anon. 

(~\P  all  paths  a  man  could  strike  into,  there  is, 

^^     at  any  given  moment,  a  best  path  for  every 

man ;    a  thing  which,  here  and  now,  it  were  of 

all  things  ivisest  for  him  to  do ;  wliich  could  he 

but  be  led  or  driven  to  do,  he  were  then  doing 

"  like  a  man,"  as  we  i)hrase  it.     His  success,  in 

such  case,  were  complete,  his  felicity  a  maximum. 

This  path,  to  find  this  path,  and  walk  in  it,  is  the 

one  thing  needful  for  him. 

T.  Carlyle. 

Every  man  has  his  own  vocation.  There  is 
one  direction  in  which  all  space  is  open  to  him. 
He  has  faculties  silently  inviting  him  thither  to 
endless  exertion.  He  is  like  a  ship  in  a  river ; 
he  runs  against  obstnictions  on  every  side  but 
one ;  on  that  side  all  obstruction  is  taken  away, 
and  he  sweeps  serenely  over  a  deepening  chan- 
nel into  an  infinite  sea. 

R.  W.  Emerson. 


294 


October  20. 


October  21. 


295 


li 


ill 


Be  not  overcome  of  evil^  but  overcome  evil  with 
good.  —  Rom.  xii.  2i. 


Come,  in  this  accepted  hour ; 

Bring  Thy  heavenly  kingdom  in ; 
Fill  us  with  Thy  glorious  power, 

Rooting  out  the  seeds  of  sin. 

C.  Wesley 


TF  we  wish  to  overcome  evil,  we  must  overcome 
it  by  good.  There  are  doubtless  many  ways 
of  overcoming  the  evil  in  our  own  hearts,  but  the 
simplest,  easiest,  most  universal,  is  to  overcome 
it  by  active  occui)ation  in  some  good  word  or 
work.  The  best  antidote  against  evil  of  all  kinds, 
against  the  evil  thoughts  which  haunt  the  soul, 
against  the  needless  perplexities  which  distract 
the  conscience,  is  to  keep  hold  of  the  good  we 
have.  Inii)ure  thoughts  will  not  stand  against 
pure  words,  and  prayers,  and  deeds.  Little 
doubts  will  not  avail  against  great  certainties. 
Fix  your  affections  on  things  above,  and  then 
you  will  be  less  and  less  troubled  by  the  cares, 
the  temptations,  the  troubles  of  things  on  earth. 

A.  P.  Stanlit- 


/  am  the  Almii^hty  God;  walk  before  me^  and 
be  thou  perfect.  —  Gen.  xvii.  i. 

Consecrate  yourselves  to-day  to  the  Lord.  —  Ex. 
xxxii.  2p, 

Take  my  life,  and  let  it  be 
Consecrated,  Lord,  to  Thee. 

Take  my  moments  and  my  days ; 
Let  them  flow  in  ceaseless  praise. 

F.  R-  Havergal. 

T  HAVE  noticed  that  wherever  there  has  been 
a  faithful  following  of  the  Lord  in  a  con- 
secrated soul,  several  things  have  inevitably 
followed,  sooner  or  later.  Meekness  and  quiet- 
ness of  spirit  become  in  time  the  characteristics 
of  the  daily  life.  A  submissive  acceptance  of  the 
will  of  God  as  it  comes  in  the  hourly  events  of 
each  day  ;  pliability  in  the  hands  of  God  to  do 
or  to  suffer  all  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will ; 
sweetness  under  provocation ;  calmness  in  the 
midst  of  turmoil  and  bustle  ;  yieldingness  to  the 
wishes  of  others,  and  an  insensibility  to  slights 
and  affronts ;  absence  of  worry  or  anxiety ; 
deliverance  from  care  and  fear ;  —  all  these,  and 
many  similar  graces,  are  invariably  found  to  be 
the  natural  outward  development  of  that  inward 

life  w'riich  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God. 

H.  W.  S 


296 


October  22. 


Father^  if  Thou  hi  wiUing,  remove  this  c tip  from 
me ;  nevertheless,  not  my  will,  but  Thine^  be  done. 
—  Luke  xxii.  42. 


Just  as  Thou  wilt  is  just  what  I  would  will  \ 

Give  me  but  this,  the  heart  to  be  content, 

And,  if  my  wish  is  thwarted,  to  lie  still, 

Waiting  till  puzzle  and  till  pain  are  spent, 

And  the  sweet  thing  made  plain  which  the  Lord  meant. 

Susan  Coolidge. 


T  ET  your  will  be  one  with  His  will,  and  be 
glad  to  be  disposed  of  by  Him.  He  will 
order  all  things  for  you.  What  can  cross  your 
will,  when  it  is  one  with  His  will,  on  which  all 
creation  hangs,  round  which  all  things  revolve? 
Keep  your  hearts  clear  of  evil  thoughts ;  for  as 
evil  choices  estrange  the  will  from  His  will,  so 
evil  thoughts  cloud  the  soul,  and  hide  Him  from 
us.  Whatever  sets  us  in  opposition  to  Him 
makes  our  will  an  intolerable  torment.  So  lonji 
as  we  will  one  thing  and  He  another,  we  go  on 
piercing  ourselves  through  and  through  with  a 
perpetual  wound  ;  and  His  will  advances  moving 
on  in  sanctity  and  majesty,  crushing  ours  into 
the  dust. 

H.  E.  Manning. 


October  23. 


297 


Teach  me  to  do  Thy  will;  for  Thou  art  my  God: 
Thy  spirit  is  ^ood;  lead  me  into  the  land  of  up- 
rightness.—  Ps.  t  r.liii.  10. 

The  battle  of  our  life  is  won, 

And  heaven  begun, 
When  we  can  say,  "  Thy  will  be  done  !'* 
But,  Lord,  until 
These  restless  hearts  in  Thy  deep  love  are  still. 
We  pray  Thee,  "  Teach  us  how  to  do  Thy  will !  " 

Lucy  Larcom. 

"  Y^y  ^^  seeking  yourown  will,  my  daughter. 
"*■  You  are  seeking  some  good  other  than  the 
law  you  are  bound  to  obey.  But  how  will 
you  find  good?  It  is  not  a  thing  of  choice  ;  it 
is  a  river  that  flows  from  the  foot  of  the  Invisible 
Throne,  and  flows  by  the  path  of  obedience. 
I  say  again,  man  cannot  choose  his  duties. 
You  may  clioose  to  forsake  your  duties,  and 
choose  not  to  have  the  sorrow  they  bring.  But 
you  will  go  forth,  and  what  will  you  find,  my 
daughter?  Sorrow  without  duty — bitter  herbs, 
and  no  bread  with  them.'* 

George  Eliot. 

However  dark  and  profidess,  however  painful 
and  weary,  existence  may  have  become;  how- 
ever any  man,  like  Elijah,  may  be  tempted  to 
cast  himself  down  beneath  the  juniper-tree,  and 
say,  '*  It  is  enough.  O  Lord  !  "  —  life  is  not  done, 
and  our  Christian  character  is  not  won,  so  long 
as  God  has  anything  left  for  us  to  suffer,  or  any- 
thing left  for  us  to  do. 

F.  W.  Robertson. 


298 


October  24. 


October  25. 


299 


The  Lord  is  my  strength,  a?ui  my  shield ;  iny 
heart  trusted  in  Him,  and  I  am  helped:  therefore 
mv  heart  greatly  rejoice  th  ;  and  with  my  song  will 
I  praise  Him.  — Ps.  xxviii.  7. 

Well  may  Thy  happy  children  cease 
From  restless  wishes,  prone  to  sin, 

And,  in  Thy  own  exceeding  peace, 
Yield  to  Thy  daily  discipline. 

A.  L.  Waring. 

'T^ALK  of  hair-cloth  shirts,  and  scourgings,  and 
sleeping  on  ashes,  as  means  of  saintship  ! 
there  is  no  need  of  them  in  our  country.  Let 
a  woman  once  look  at  her  domestic  trials  as 
her  hair-cloth,  her  ashes,  her  scourges, — accept 
them,  —  rejoice  in  them,  —  smile  and  be  quiet, 
silent,  patient,  and  loving  under  them,  —  and  the 
convent  can  teach  her  no  more ;  she  is  a  vic- 
torious saint. 

H.  B.  Stovve. 

Perhaps  it  is  a  greater  energy  of  Divine  Provi- 
dence, which  keeps  the  Christian  from  day  to 
day,  from  year  to  year  —  praying,  hoping,  run- 
ning, believing — against  all  hindrances — which 
maintains  him  as  a  lii'ing  martyr,  than  that  which 
bears  him  up  for  an  hour  in  sacrificing  himself  at 

the  stake. 

R.  Cecil. 


For  I  am  persuaded  that  neither  death,  nor  lije, 
nor  angels,  nor  priticipalities,  nor  powers,  nor 
things  present,  nor  things  to  come,  nor  height,  hor 
depth,  nor  any  other  creature,  shall  be  able  to  sepa- 
rate us  from  the  love  of  God,  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord.  —  Rom.  viii.  '^%,  39. 


I  KNOW  not  what  the  future  hath 

Of  marvel  or  surprise, 
Assured  alone  that  life  and  death 

His  mercy  underlies. 

J.  G.  Whittier. 


'pE  of  good  faith,  my  dear  Friends,  look  not  out 
at  any  thing ;  fear  none  of  those  things  ye 
may  be  exposed  to  suffer,  either  outwardly  or  in- 
wardly ;  but  trust  the  Lord  over  all,  and  your  life 
will  spring,  and  grow,  and  refresh  you,  and  ye 
will  learn  obedience  and  faithfulness  daily  more 
and  more,  even  by  your  exercises  and  sufferings  ; 
yea,  the  Lord  will  teach  you  the  very  mystery  of 
faith  and  obedience ;  the  wisdom,  power,  love, 
and  goodness  of  the  Lord  ordering  cilery  thing 
for  you,  and  ordering  your  hearts  in  every  thing. 

L  Penington. 


300 


October  26. 


Turn  ye  to  the  stronghold^  ye  prisoners  of  hope. 
—  Zech.  ix.  12. 

Their  strength  is  to  sit  still.  —  Is  A.  xxx.  7. 

O  POWER  to  do ;  O  baffled  will ! 

O  prayer  and  action  !  ye  are  one. 
Who  may  not  strive,  may  yet  fulfil 
The  harder  task  of  standing  still, 

And  good  but  wished  with  God  is  done. 

J.  G.  Whiitier. 

•T^HAT  God  has  circumscribed  our  life  may 
^  add  a  peculiar  element  of  trial,  but  often 
it  defines  our  way  and  cuts  off  many  tempting 
possibilities  that  perplex  the  free  and  the  strong ; 
whilst  it  leaves  intact  the  whole  body  of  spiritual 
reality,  with  the  Beatitude  thereon,  "  that  if  we 
know  these  things,  happy  are  we  if  we  do  them." 
We  know  that  God  orders  the  lot ;  and  to  meet 
it  with  the  energies  it  requires  and  permits,  neither 
more  nor  less,  —  to  fill  it  at  every  available  point 
with  the  light  and  action  of  an  earnest  and  spirit- 
ually inventive  mind,  though  its  scene  be  no  wider 
than  a  sick  chamber,  and  its  action  narrowed  to 
patient  suffering,  and  gentle,  cheerful  words,  and 
all  the  light  it  can  emit  the  thankful  quiet  of  a 
trustful  eye,  —  without  chafing  as  though  God 
had  misjudged  our  sphere,  and  placed  us  wrong, 
and  did  not  know  where  we  could  b$^st  serve 
Him, — this  is  what,  in  that  condition,  we  have 

to  do, 

J.  H.  Thom. 


October  27. 


301 


Therefore  I  take  pleasure  in  infirmities^  in  re- 
proaches^ in  necessities,  in  persecutions,  in  distresses 
for  Christ^ s  sake  :  for  when  /  am  weak^  then  am  I 
strong.  —  2  CoR.  xii.  10. 

Whate'er  God  does  is  well  1 

In  patience  let  us  wait ; 

He  doth  Himself  our  burdens  bear, 

He  doth  for  us  take  care, 
And  He,  our  God,  knows  all  our  weary  days. 

Come,  give  Him  praise. 

B.    SCHMOLCK. 

■^OTHING  else  but  this  seeing  God  in  every- 
thing will  make  us  loving  and  patient  with 
those  who  annoy  and  trouble  us.  They  will  be 
to  us  then  only  the  instruments  for  accomplishing 
His  tender  and  wise  purposes  towards  us,  and  we 
shall  even  find  ourselves  at  last  inwardly  thanking 
them  for  the  blessings  they  bring  us.  Nothing 
else  will  comi)letely  put  an  end  to  all  murmuring 
or  rebelling  thoughts. 

H.  W.  S. 

The  subjection  of  the  will  is  accomplished  by 
calmly  resigning  thyself  up  in  everything  that  in- 
ternally or  externally  vexes  thee  ;  for  it  is  thus 
only  that  the  soul  is  prepared  for  the  reception  oi 
divine  infiuences.  Prepare  the  heart  like  clean 
paper,  and  the  Divine  Wisdom  will  imprint  on  it 
characters  to  His  own  liking. 

M.  MOLINOS. 


302 


October  28. 


/  know  the  thoughts  that  I  think  toward  yoUy 
saith  the  Lord,  thoughts  of  peace,  and  not  of  evil, 
to  give  you  an  expected  end.  —  Jkr.  xxix.  1 1. 

Thy  thoughts  are  good,  and  Thou  art  kind. 

E'en  when  we  think  it  not ; 
How  many  an  anxious,  faithless  mind 

Sits  grieving  o'er  its  h)t, 
And  frets,  and  pines  by  day  and  night. 
As  God  had  lost  it  out  of  sight, 

And  all  its  wants  forgot. 

P.  Gerhardt. 

Y'^U  are  never  to  complain  of  your  birth,  your 
training,    your   employments,   your   hard- 
ships ;  never  to  fancy  that  you  could  be  some- 
thing if  only  you  had  a  different  lot  and  sphere 
assigned  you.     God  understands  His  own  i)lan, 
and  He  knows  what  you  want  a  great  deal  better 
than  you  do.     The  very  things  that  you  most 
deprecate,  as  fatal  limitations  or  ol)structions,  are 
probably  what   you   most  want.     What  you   call 
hindrances,  obstacles,  discouragements,  are  prob- 
ably God's  opportunities.     Bring  down  your  soul, 
or,  rather,  bring  it  up  to  receive  God's  will  and  do 
His  work,  in  your  lot,  in  your  s[)here,  under  your 
cloud    of  obscurity,    against    your    temptations, 
and  then  you  shall  fmd  that   your  condition  is 
never  opposed  to  your  good,  but  really  consistent 
with  it. 

H.    BUSHNELI- 


October  29. 


303 


Behold,  I  have  refined  thee,  but  not  with  silver ; 
I  have  chosen  thee  in  the  furnace  of  affliction. 
—  IsA.  xlviii.  10. 

Be  patient,  suffering  soul !  I  hear  thy  cry. 

The  trial  fires  may  glow,  but  I  am  nigh. 
I  see  the  silver,  and  I  will  refine 
Until  My  image  shall  upon  it  shine. 

Fear  not,  for  I  am  near,  thy  help  to  be ; 

Greater  than  all  thy  pain,  My  love  for  thee. 

H.  W.  C. 

/^OD  takes  a  thousand  times  more  pains  with 
us  than  the  artist  with  his  picture,  by  many 
touches  of  sorrow,  and  by  many  colors  of  circum- 
stance, to  bring  man  into  the  form  which  is  tiie 
highest  and  noblest  in  His  sight,  if  only  we  re- 
ceived His  gifts  and  myrrh  in  the  right  spirit. 
.  .  .  But  when  the  cup  is  i)ut  away,  and  these 
feelings  are  stilled  or  unheeded,  a  greater  injury 
is  done  to  the  soul  than  can  ever  be  amended. 
P"or  no  heart  vaw  conceive  in  what  surpassing 
k)\e  (iod  giveth  us  this  myrrh  ;  yet  this  which  we 
ought  to  receive  to  our  soul's  good,  we  suffer  to 
l)ass  l)y  us  in  our  sleepy  indifference,  and  noth- 
ing comes  of  it.  Then  we  come  and  complain : 
''  Alas,  Lord  !  I  ain  so  dry,  and  it  is  so  dark 
within  me  ! "  I  tell  thee,  dear  child,  open  thy 
heart  to  the  pain,  and  it  will  do  thee  more 
good  than  if  thou  w:;rt  full  of  feeling  and  de- 

voutness. 

J.  Taulek. 


304 


October  30. 


That  good  thing  which  was  committea  unto  thee, 
keep  by  the  Holy  Ghost  which  dwelleth  in  us.  — 
2  Tim.  i.  14. 

Oh  that  the  Comforter  would  come  I 
Nor  visit  as  a  transient  guest, 

But  fix  in  me  His  constant  home, 
And  keep  possession  of  my  breast : 

And  make  my  soul  His  loved  abode, 

The  temple  of  indwelling  God! 

C.  Wesley. 

T^HY  spirit  should  become,  while  yet  on  earth, 
-■•      the  peaceful  throne  of  the  Divine  Being ; 
think,  then,  how  quiet,  how  gentle  and  pure,  how 
reverent,  thou  shouldst  be. 

Geruard  Tersteegen. 

I  CAXXOT  tell  you  how  much  I  love  you.  But 
that  which  of  all  things  I  have  most  at  heart, 
with  regard  to  you,  is  the  real  progress  of  your 
soul  in  the  divine  life.  Heaven  seems  to  be 
awakened  in  you.  It  is  a  tender  plant.  It  re- 
quires stillness,  meekness,  and  the  unity  of  the 
heart,  totally  giv^'ii  \\\>  to  the  unknown  workings 
of  the  Spirit  of  God,  which  will  do  all  its  work 
in  the  calm  soul,  that  has  no  hunger  or  desire 
but  to  escape  out  of  the  mire  of  its  earthly  life 
into  its  lost  union  and  life  in  God.  I  mention 
this,  out  of  a  fear  of  your  giving  in  to  an  eagerness 
about  many  things,  wliich,  though  seemingly 
innocent,  yet  divi(le  and  weaken  the  workings  of 

the  divine  life  within  you. 

Wm.  Law 


October  31. 


305 


And  Enoch  walked  with  God;  and  he  was  not; 
for  God  took  him.  —  Gen.  v.  24. 

Oh  for  a  closer  walk  with  God, 
A  calm  and  heavenly  frame ; 

A  light  to  shine  upon  the  road 
That  leads  me  to  the  Lamb  I 

W.  Cowper. 

TS  it  possible  for  any  of  us  in  these  modern  days 
to  so   live   that  we   may  walk   with    God? 
Can  we  walk  with  God  in  the  shop,  in  the  ofifice, 
in  the  household,  and  on  the  street  ?     When  men 
exasperate  us,  and   work    wearies   us,    and   the 
children  fret,  and  the  servants  annoy,  and  our 
bestdaid  plans  fall  to  pieces,  and  our  castles  in 
the  air  are  dissipated  like  bubbles  that  break  at 
a  breath,  then  can  we  walk  with  God?     That 
religion  which  fails  us  in  the  every-day  trials  and 
experiences  of  life  has  somewhere  in  it  a  flaw. 
It  should  be  more  than  a  plank  to  sustain  us  in 
the   rushing  tide,  and   land   us   exhausted  and 
dripping  on  the  other  side.     It  ought,  if  it  come 
from  above,  to  be  always,  day  by  day,  to  our 
souls  as  the  wings  of  a  bird,  bearing  us  away 
from  and  beyond  the  impediments  which  seek 
to  hold  us  down.     If  the  Divine  Love  be  a  con- 
scious presence,  an  indwelling  force  with  us,  it 
will  do  this. 

Christian  Union. 
20 


S06 


November 


1. 


Of  whom  the  whole  fatnily  in  heaven  and  earth 
is  named.  —  Eph.  iii.  15. 

One  family,  we  dwell  in  Him; 

One  church  above,  beneath  ; 
Though  now  divided  by  the  stream,  — 

The  narrow  stream  of  death. 

One  army  of  the  living  God, 

To  His  command  we  bow: 
Part  of  His  host  has  crossed  the  flood. 

And  part  is  crossing  now. 

C.  Wesley. 

T  ET  us,  then,  learn  that  we  can  never  be 
lonely  or  forsaken  in  this  life.  Shall  they 
forget  us  because  they  are  "made  perfect"? 
Shall  they  love  us  the  less  because  they  now  have 
power  to  love  us  more  ?  If  we  forget  them  not, 
shall  they  not  remember  us  with  God  ?  No  trial, 
then,  can  isolate  us,  no  sorrow  can  cut  us  off 
from  the  Communion  of  Saints.  Kneel  down, 
and  you  are  with  them  ;  lift  up  your  eyes,  and 
the  heavenly  world,  high  above  all  perturbation, 
hangs  serenely  overhead ;  only  a  thin  veil,  it 
may  be,  floats  between.  All  whom  we  loved, 
and  all  who  loved  us,  whom  we  still  love  no  less, 
while  they  love  us  yet  more,  are  ever  near,  be- 
cause ever  in  His  presence  in  whom  we  live  and 
dwell. 

H.  E.  Manning. 


November  2. 


307 


Wherefore  seeing;  we  also  are  compassed  about 
with  so  ^i^reat  a  cloud  of  witnesses^  let  us  lay  aside 
every  weight,  and  the  sin  which  doth  so  easily  beset 
ms,  and  let  us  run  with  patience  the  race  that  is  set 
before  us.  —  Heb.  xii.  i. 

When  the  powers  of  hell  ])revail 
O'er  our  weakness  and  unfitness, 

Could  we  lift  the  fleshly  veil, 
Could  we  for  a  moment  witness 

Those  unnumbered  hosts  that  stand 

Calm  and  bright  on  either  hand  ; 

Oh,  what  joyful  hope  would  cheer, 

Oh,  what  faith  serene  would  guide  us  I 

Great  may  be  the  danger  near, 
Greater  are  the  friends  beside  us. 

Anon. 

WE  are  compassed  about  by  a  cloud  of  wit- 
nesses, whose  hearts  throb  in  sympathy 
with  every  effort  and  struggle,  and  who  thrill  with 
joy  at  every  success.  How  should  this  thought 
check  and  rebuke  every  worldly  feeling  and  un- 
worthy purpose,  and  enshrine  us,  in  the  midst  of 
a- forgetful  and  unspiritual  world,  with  an  atmos- 
})here  of  heavenly  peace  !     They  have  overcome 

—  have  risen  —  are  crowned,  glorified  ;  but  still 
they  remain  to  us,  our  assistants,  our  comforters, 
and  in  every  hour  of  darkness  their  voice  speaks 
to  us :  "  So  we  grieved,  so  we  struggled,  so  we 
fainted,  so  we  doubted ;  but  we  have  overcome, 
we  have  obtained,  we  have  seen,  we  have  found, 

—  and  in  our  victory  behold  the  certainty  of  thy 


own. 


>> 


H.  B.  Stowe. 


3o8 


November  3. 


Wherefore  putting  away  lying,  speak  every  man 
truth  with  his  neighbor :  for  we  are  members  one 
of  another.  —  Eph.  iv.  25. 

In  conversation  be  sincere ; 
Keep  conscience  as  the  noontide  clear; 
Think  how  All-seeing  God  thy  ways 
And  all  thy  secret  thoughts  surveys. 

Thomas  Kev. 

'J^HE  essence  of  lying  is  in  deception,  not  in 
words ;  a  lie  may  be  told  by  silence,  by 
equivocation,  l)y  the  accent  on  a  syllable,  by  a 
glance  of  the  eye  attaching  a  peculiar  significance 
to  a  sentence;  and  all  these  kinds  of  lies  are 
worse  and  baser  by  many  degrees  than  a  lie 
plainly  worded  ;  so  that  no  form  of  blinded  con- 
science is  so  far  sunk  as  that  which  comforts  it- 
self for  having  deceived  because  the  deception 
was  by  gesture  or  silence,  instead  of  utterance. 

J.   RUSKIN. 

He  that  is  habituated  to  deceptions  and  artifi- 
cialities in  trifles,  will  try  in  vain  to  be  true  in 
matters  of  importance ;  for  truth  is  a  tiling  of 
habit  rather  than  of  will.  You  cannot  in  any 
given  case  by  any  sudden  and  single  effort  will 
to  be  true,  if  the  habit  of  your  life  has  been 
insincerity. 

F     W.   ROBERTSOX 


November  4. 


309 


A  soft  answer  turneth  away  wrath  :  but  griev- 
ous words  stir  up  anger.  —  PROV.  xv.  i. 

Doest  thou  well  to  be  angry  ?  —  Jonah  iv.  4. 

Renew  Thine  image,  Lord,  in  me. 
Lowly  and  gentle  may  I  be  ; 

No  charms  but  these  to  Thee  are  dear; 
No  anger  mayst  Thou  ever  find. 
No  pride  in  my  unruffled  mind, 

But  faith,  and  heaven-born  peace  be  there. 

P.  Gerhardt. 

"M" EITHER  say  nor  do  aught  displeasing  to 
thy  neighbor ;  and  if  thou  hast  been  want- 
ing in  charity,  seek  his  forgiveness,  or  speak  to 
him  with  gentleness.  Speak  always  with  mild- 
ness and  in  a  low  tone  of  voice. 

L.    SCUPOLI. 

Injuries  hurt  not  more  in  the  receiving  than 
in  the  remembrance.  A  small  injury  shall  go  as 
it  comes ;  a  great  injury  may  dine  or  sup  with 
me ;  but  none  at  all  shall  lodge  with  me.  Why 
should  I  vex  myself  because  another  hath  vexed 
me  ?  Grief  for  things  past  that  cannot  be  reme- 
died, and  care  for  things  to  come  that  cannot  be 
prevented,  may  easily  hurt,  can  never  benefit 
me.  I  will  therefore  commit  myself  to  God  in 
both,  and  enjoy  the  present. 

Joseph  Hall. 


3IO 


November  5. 


November  6. 


311 


The  temple  of  God  is  holy^  which  temple  ye 
are.  —  i  Cor.  iii.  17. 

Now  shed  Thy  mighty  influence  abroad 
On  souls  that  would  their  Father's  image  bear; 
Make  us  as  holy  temples  of  our  God, 
Where  dwells  forever  calm,  adoring  prayer. 

C.  J.  P.  Spitta. 

^HIS  pearl  of  eternity  is  the  church  or  temple 
of  God  within  thee,  the  consecrated  place 
of  divine  worship,  where  alone  thou  canst  wor- 
ship God  in  spirit  and  in  truth.     When  once  thou 
art  well  grounded  in  this  inward  worship,  thou 
wilt  have  learned  to  live  unto  God  above  time 
and  place.     For  every  day  will  be  Sunday  to  thee, 
and,  wherever  thou  goest,  thou  wilt  have  a  priest, 
a  church,  and  an  altar    along  with  thee.      For 
when  God  has  all  that  he  should  have  of  thy 
heart,  when    thou  art   wholly  given  up    to    the 
obedience  of  the  light  and  spirit  of  God  within 
thee,  to  will  only  in  His  will,  to  love  only  in  His 
love,  to  be  wise  only  in  His  wisdom,  then  it  is 
that  everything  thou  dost  is  as  a  song  of  praise, 
and  the  common  business  of  thy  life  is  a  con- 
forming to  God's  will  on  earth  as  angels  do  in 
heaven. 

Wm.  Law, 


He  will  fulfil  the  desire  of  them  that  fear  Him  : 
He  also  will  hear  their  cry^  and  will  save  them.  — 
Ps.  cxlv.  19. 

Delight  thyself  also  in  the  Lord;  and  He  shall 
give  thee  the  desires  of  thine  heart.  —  Ps.  xxxvii.  4. 

Though  to-day  may  not  fulfil 
All  thy  hopes,  have  patience  still ; 
For  perchance  to-morrow's  sun 
Sees  thy  happier  days  begun. 

P.  Gerhardt. 

UTS  great  desire  and  delight  is  God;  and 
l)y  desiring  and  delighting,  he  hath  Him. 
Delight  thou  in  the  Lord,  and  He  shall  give  thee 
thy  heart's  desire,  —  Himself;  and  then  surely 
thou  shalt  have  all.  Any  other  thing  commit  it 
to  Him,  and  he  shall  bring  it  to  pass. 

R.  Leighton. 

All  who  call  on  God  in  true  faith,  earnestly 
Irom  the  heart,  will  certainly  l)e  heard,  and  will 
receive  what  they  have  asked  and  desired,  al- 
though not  in  the  hour  or  in  the  measure,  or  the 
very  thing  which  they  ask  ;  yet  they  will  obtain 
something  greater  and  more  glorious  than  they 
had  dared  to  ask. 

Martin  Luther. 


312 


November  7. 


November  8. 


313 


/  was  not  disobedient  unto  the  heavenly  vision.  — 
Acts  xxvi.  19. 

The  Lord  our  God  will  we  serve,  and  His  voice 
will  we  obey.  —  Josh.  xxiv.  24. 

I  WILL  shun  no  toil  or  woe, 
Where  Thou  leadest  I  will  go, 

Be  my  i)athvvay  plain  or  rough ; 
If  but  every  hour  may  be 
Spent  in  work  that  pleases  Thee, 

Ah,  dear  Lord,  it  is  enough  ! 

G.  Tersteegen. 


A  LL  these  longings  and  doubts,  and  this  in- 
ward distress,  are  the  voice  of  the  Good 
Shepherd  in  your  heart,  seeking  to  call  you  out  of 
all  that  is  contrary  to  His  will.  Oh,  let  me  en- 
treat of  you  not  to  turn  away  from  His  gentle 
pleadings. 

H.  W.  S. 

The  fear  of  man  brings  a  snare.  By  halting  in 
our  duty  and  giving  back  in  tlie  time  of  trial,  our 
hands  grow  weaker,  our  ears  grow  dull  as  to 
hearing  the  language  of  the  true  Shepherd ;  so 
that  when  we  look  at  the  way  of  the  righteous,  it 
seems  as  though  it  was  not  for  us  to  follow  them. 

J.   WOOLMAN. 


LOy  I  come  to  do  Thy  will,  O  God.  —  Heb.  x.  9. 
leach  vie  to  do    Thy  will^  for   Thou  art  my 
God,  —  Ps.  cxiiii.  10. 

Lo !  I  come  with  joy  to  do 

The  Father's  blessed  will ; 
Him  in  outward  works  pursue, 

And  serve  His  pleasure  still. 
Faithful  to  my  Lord's  commands, 

I  still  would  choose  the  better  part ; 
Serve  with  careful  Martha's  hands, 

And  loving  Mary's  heart. 

C.  Wesley. 

A  SOUL  cannot  be  regarded  as  truly  subdued 
and  consecrated  in  its  will,  and  as  having 
passed  into  union  with  the  Divine  will,  until  it  has 
a  disposition  to  do  promptly  and  faithfully  all  that 
(iod  requires,  as  well  as  to  endure  patiently  and 
thankfully  all  that  He  imposes. 

T.  C.  Upham. 

When  we  have  learned  to  offer  up  every  duty 
connected  with  our  situation  in  life  as  a  sacrifice 
to  God,  a  settled  employm.ent  becomes  just  a 

settled  habit  of  prayer. 

Thomas  Erskine. 

"  Do  the  duty  ivhich  lies  nearest  thee,^''  which 

thou  knowest  to  be  a  duty.     Thy  second  duty 

will  already  have  become  clearer. 

T.  Carlylb 


3M 


November  9. 


November  10 


315 


Say  not  thoii^  T  will  hide  myself  from  the  Lord: 
shall  any  remember  me  from  aboi'e  f  I  shall  not 
be  remembered  among  so  many  people  :  for  what 
If  my  soul  amoui^  such  an  infinite  number  of  crea- 
tures f —  ECCLESIASTICUS,  Xvi.   I  7. 

Among  so  many,  can  lie  care? 
Can  special  love  l)e  everywhere? 
A  myriad  homes,  — a  myriad  ways,— 
And  God's  eye  over  every  place  ? 

I  asked  :  my  soul  bethought  of  this  ;  — 
In  just  that  very  place  of  His 
Where  He  hath  put  and  kecpeth  you, 
God  hath  no  other  thing  to  do ! 

A.  D.  T.  Whitney. 

/^IVE  free  and  bold  play  to  those  instincts  of 
the  heart  which  believe  that  the  Creator 
must  care  for  the  creatures  He  has  made,  and 
that  the  only  real  effective  care  for  them  must 
be  that  which  takes  each  of  them  into  His  love, 
and  knowing  it  separately  surrounds  it  with  His 
separate  sympathy.  There  is  not  one  life  wliicli 
the  Life-giver  ever  loses  out  of  His  sight ;  not 
one  which  sins  so  that  He  casts  it  away  j  not  one 
which  is  not  so  near  to  Him  that  whatexer 
touches  it  touches  Him  with  sorrow  or  with 
joy. 

Phillips  Brooks 


In  Him  we  live^  and  move,  a7id  have  our  being.  — 
Acts  xvii.  28. 

Whither  shall  I  go  from  Thy  spirit  f  or  whither 
shall  I  fee  from  Thy  presence  ? —"^s.  cxxxix.  7. 

Yea  !  In  Thy  life  our  little  lives  are  ended. 
Into  Thy  depths  our  trembling  spirits  fall; 

In  Thee  enfolded,  gathered,  comprehended, 
As  holds  the  sea  her  waves  —  Thou  hold'st  us  all. 

E.    SC UDDER. 

\1/'HERE  then  is  our  God  ?     You  say,  He 
is  everywhere:  then  show  me  anywhere 
that   you    have    met    Him.     You   declare    Him 
et?erlasting :  then  tell  me  any  moment  that   He 
has  been  with  you.     You  believe  Him  ready  to 
succor  them  that  are  tempted,  and  to  lift  those 
that  are  bowed  down  :  then  in  what  passionate 
hour  did  you  subside  into  His  calm  grace?  in 
what  sorrow  lose  yourself  in  His  ''more  exceed- 
ing" joy?     These  are  the  testing  questions  by 
which  we  may  learn  whether  we   too  have  raised 
our  altar  to  an  "  unknown   God  "  and  pay  the 
worship  of  the  blind ;  or  whether  we  commune 
with  Him  "  in  whom  we  live,  and  move,  and  have 
our  being." 

J.  Mariineau. 


3i6 


November  11. 


November  13. 


317 


IFa/k  worthy  of  the  Lord  unto  all  pleasing, 
beimr  fruitful  'in  C7'cry  good  work,  and  increas- 
ing''in  the  knowit'dge  of  God;  strengthened  witli 
all  miirht,  according  to  His  glorious  power,  unto 
all  patience  and  long-suffering  with  joy  fulness,  — 
Col.  i.  10,  II. 

To  be  the  thing  we  seem, 
To  do  the  thhig  we  deem 

Enjoined  by  duty  ; 
To  walk  in  faith,  nor  dream 
Of  questioning  God's  scheme 

Of  truth  and  beauty. 

Anon. 

TO  shape  the  wfiote  Future  is  not  our  prol)lem  ; 
but  only  to  sliape  faithfully  a  small  part 
of  it,  according  to  rules  alreatly  known.  It  is 
perhaps  possible  for  each  of  us,  who  will  with 
due  earnestness  in^iuire,  to  ascertain  clearly  what 
he,  for  his  own  part,  ought  to  do ;  this  let  him, 
with  true  heart,  do,  and  continue  doing.  The 
general  issue  will,  as  it  has  always  done,  rest  well 
with  a  Higher  Intelligence  than  ours.  .  .  .  This 
day  thou  knowest  ten  commanded  duties,  seest 
in  thy  mind  ten  things  which  should  l)e  done  for 
one  that  thou  doest^I  Do  one  of  them ;  this  of 
itself  will  show  thee  ten  others  which  can  and 

shall  be  done. 

T.  Carlyle. 


/  jnust  work  the  works  of  Him  that  sent  me^ 
while  it  is  day;  the  night  cometh,  when  no  man 
can  work.—]ovi^  ix.  4. 

Wherefore  have  ye  not  fulfilled  your  task  ?  — . 

Ex.  V.  14. 

He  who  intermits 
The  appointed  task  and  duties  of  the  day 
Untunes  full  oft  the  pleasures  of  the  day ; 
Checking  the  finer  spirits  that  refuse 
To  tlow,  when  purposes  are  lightly  changed. 

W.  Wordsworth. 

BY  putting  off  things  beyond  their  proper 
times,  one  duty  treads  upon  the  heels  of 
another,  and  all  duties  are  felt  as  irksome  obliga- 
tions, —  a  yoke  beneath  which  we  fret  and  lose 
our  peace.  In  most  cases  the  consequence  of  this 
is,  that  we  have  no  time  to  do  the  work  as  it 
ought  to  be  done.  It  is  therefore  done  precipi- 
tately, with  eagerness,  with  a  greater  desire  simply 
to  get  it  done,  than  to  do  it  well,  and  with  very 
litde  thought  of  God  throughout. 

F.  W.  Faber. 

Sufficient  for  each  day  is  the  good  thereof, 

equally  as  the  evil.     We  must  do  at  once,  and 

with  our  might,  the  merciful  deed  that  our  hand 

fmdeth  to  do,  —  else  it  will  never  be  done,  for 

the   hand  will  find  other  tasks,  and  the  arrears 

fall  through.     And   every  unconsumraated  good 

feeling,  every  unfidfilled  purj^ose  that  His  spirit 

has  prompted,  shall  one  day  charge  us  as  faithless 

and  recreant  before  God. 

r.  H.  TuoM. 


3i8 


November  13. 


November  14. 


3ig 


Blessed  is  the  man  whom  Thou  chastenesty  O 
Lord^  and  teachest  him  out  of  Thy  law.  —  Ps. 
xciv.  12. 

Truly  this  is  a  griefs  and  I  must  bear  it.  —  Jer. 

Hold  in  thy  murmurs,  heaven  arraigning! 

The  patient  see  God's  loving  face  ; 
Who  bear  their  burdens  uncomplaining, 

*T  is  they  that  win  the  Father's  grace. 

Anon 

T^O  not  run  to  this  and  that  for  comfort  when 
"^^  you  are  in  trouble,  but  bear  it.  Be  uncom- 
fortably quiet — be  uneasily  silent  —  be  patiently 

unhappy, 

J.  P.  Greaves. 

Hard  words  7£^/7/ vex  ;  unkindness  7t7/7/ pierce  ; 
neglect  imll  wound ;  threatened  evils  7vili  make 
the  soul  quiver;  sharp  pain  or  weariness  will 
rack  the  body,  or  make  it  restless.  But  what 
says  the  Psalmist?  "When  my  heart  is  vexed, 
I  will  complain."  To  whom?  Not  ^God,  but 
A?  God. 

E.    B.    PUSEY, 

Surely,  I  have  thought,  I  do  not  want  to  have 

a  grief  which  would  not  be  a  grief.     I  feel  that 

I  shall  be  able  to  take  up  my  cross  in  a  religious 

spirit  soon,  and  then  it  will  be  all  right. 

James  Hinton 


Thou  art  my  servant ;  T  ha7'e  formed  thee  ;  thou 
art  my  servant ;  O  Israel,  tJiou  shall  not  be  for- 
gotten of  me.  —  IsA.  xliv.  2i. 

Oh,  give  Thy  servant  patience  to  be  still, 

And  bear  Thy  will  ; 
Courage  to  venture  wholly  on  the  arm 

That  will  not  harm  ; 
The  wisdom  that  will  never  let  me  stray 

Out  of  my  way  ; 
The  love,  that,  now  attiicting,  knoweth  best 

When  I  should  rest. 

J.  M.  Neale. 

A  CCEPT  His  will  entirely,  and  never  suppose 
■^^  that  you  could  serve  Him  better  in  any 
other  way.  You  can  never  serve  Him  well,  save 
in  the  way  He  chooses.  Supposing  that  you 
were  never  to  be  set  free  from  such  trials,  what 
would  you  do  ?  You  would  say  to  God,  "  I  am 
Thine  —  if  my  trials  are  acceptable  to  Thee,  give 
me  more  and  more."  I  have  full  confidence  that 
this  is  what  you  would  say,  and  then  you  would 
not  think  more  of  it  —  at  any  rate,  you  would 
not  be  anxious.  Well,  do  the  same  now.  Make 
friends  with  your  trials,  as  though  you  were  al- 
ways to  live  together ;  and  you  will  see  that  when 
you  cease  to  take  thought  for  your  own  deliver- 
ance, God  will  take  thought  for  you  ;  and  when 
you  cease  to  help  yourself  eagerly,  He  will  help 
you. 

Francis  de  Sales. 

Ah,  if  you  knew  what  peace  there  is  in  an 

accepted  sorrow  ! 

Madame  Guyon. 


j20 


November  15. 


Fear  thou  not;  for  I  am  with  thee  :  be  not  dis- 
mayed j  for  I  am  thy  God :  I  will  strens^then 
thee;  yea,  I  will  help  thee;  yea^  I  will  uphold  thct 
with  the  right  hand  of  my  righteousness.  —  Is  A. 
xli.  10. 


Lord,  be  Thou  near  and  cheer  my  lonely  way  ; 
With  Thy  sweet  peace  my  aching  bosom  fill ; 
Scatter  my  cares  and  fears  ;  my  griefs  allay, 

And  be  it  mine  each  day 

To  love  and  please  Thee  still 

P.   CORNEILLE. 


!i 


•  I 


\ 


VI7HAT  if  the  wicked  nature,  which  is  as  a 
sea  casting  out  mire  and  dirt,  rage  against 
thee?  There  is  a  river,  a  sweet,  still,  flowing 
river,  the  streams  whereof  will  make  glad  thy 
heart.  And,  learn  but  in  quietness  and  stillness 
to  retire  to  the  Lord,  and  wait  upon  Him  ;  in 
whom  thou  shalt  feel  peace  and  joy,  in  the  midst 
of  thy  trouble  from  the  cruel  and  vexatious  spirit 
of  this  world.  So,  wait  to  know  thy  work  and 
service  to  the  Lord  every  day,  in  thy  place  and 
station ;  and  the  Lord  make  thee  faithful  therein, 
and  thou  wilt  want  neither  help,  support,  not 
comfort. 

I.  Penington. 


November  16. 


321 


Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace,  whose  mind 
is  stayed  on  Thee;  because  he  trusteth  in  Thee,  — 
IsA.  XX vi.  3. 


What  comforts.  Lord,  to  those  are  given, 
Who  seek  in  Thee  their  home  and  rest ! 

They  find  on  earth  an  opening  heaven, 
And  in  Thy  peace  are  amply  blest. 

W.  C.  Dessler. 


C^OD  is  a  tranquil  Being,  and  abides  in  a  tran- 
^  quil  eternity.  So  must  thy  spirit  become 
a  tranquil  and  clear  little  pool,  wherein  the  serene 
light  of  God  can  be  mirrored.  Therefore  shun  all 
that  is  disquieting  and  distracting,  both  within 
and  witliout.  Nothing  in  the  whole  world  is 
worth  the  loss  of  thy  peace;  even  the  faults 
which  thou  hast  committed  should  only  humble, 
but  not  dis(iuiet  thee.  God  is  full  of  joy,  peace, 
and  happiness.  Endeavor  then  to  obtain  a  con- 
tinually joyful  and  peaceful  spirit.  Avoid  all 
anxious  care,  vexation,  murmuring,  and  melan- 
choly, which  darken  thy  soul,  and  render  thee 
unfit  for  the  friendship  of  God.  If  thou  dost 
perceive  such  feelings  arising,  turn  gently  away 

from  them. 

G.  Tersteegen. 


i 


,  1! " 

1*  .< 


2t 


322 


November  17. 


Every  day  will  I  Mess  Thee,  and  I  will  praise 
Thy  name  for  ever  and  ei'er.  —  I\s.  cxlv.  2. 

Commit  thy  works  unto  the  Lord,  and  thy  thoughts 
shall  be  established.  —  Prov.  xvi.  3. 

Lord,  I  my  vows  to  Thee  renew ; 
Disperse  my  sins  as  morning  clew; 
Guard  my  first  springs  of  tliought  and  will, 
And  with  Thyself  my  spirit  fill. 

Thomas  Ken. 

jyiORNING  by  morning  think,  for  a  few  mo- 
ments, of  the  chief  employments  of  the 
day,  any  one  thing  of  greater  moment  than 
others,  thine  own  especial  trial,  any  occasions 
of  it  which  are  likely  to  come  that  day,  and  by 
one  short  strong  act  commend  thyself  before- 
hand in  all  to  God  ;  offer  all  thy  thoughts,  words, 
and  deeds  to  Him —  to  be  governed,  guided,  ac- 
cepted by  Him.  .  .  .  Choose  some  great  occasions 
of  the  day,  such  as  bring  with  them  most  trial 
to  thee,  on  which,  above  others,  to  commend 
thyself  to  God. 

E.   B.   PUSEY. 

Will  you  not,  before  venturing  away  from  your 
early  quiet  hour,  "commit  thy  works'*  to  Him 
definitely,  the  special  things  you  have  to  do 
to-day,  and  the  unforeseen  work  which  He  may 
add  in  the  course  of  it? 

F.  R.  Havergal. 


November  18, 


323 


Hereby  know  we  that  we  dwell  in  Him^  and  He 
in  us,  because  He  hath  given  us  of  His  Spirit.  — 
I  John  iv.  13. 

Wri'HiN  !  within,  oh  turn 

Thy  spirit's  eyes,  and  learn 
Thy  wandering  senses  gently  to  control ; 
Thy  dearest  Friend  dwells  deep  within  thy  soul, 

And  asks  thyself  of  thee, 
That  heart,  and  mind,  and  sense,  He  may  make  whole 

In  perfect  harmony. 

G.  Tersteegen. 


WAIT  patiently,  trust  humbly,  depend  only 
upon,  seek  solely  to  a  God  of  Light  and 
Love,  of  Mercy  and  Goodness,  of  Glory  and  Maj- 
esty, ever  dwelling  in  the  inmost  depth  and  spirit 
of  your  soul.  There  you  have  all  the  secret,  hid- 
den, invisible  Upholder  of  all  the  creation,  whose 
blessed  operation  will  always  be  found  by  a 
humble,  faithful,  loving,  calm,  patient  introversion 
of  your  heart  to  Him,  who  has  His  hidden 
heaven  within  you,  and  which  will  open  itself 
to  you,  as  soon  as  your  heart  is  left  wholly 
to  His  eternal,  ever-speaking  word,  and  ever- 
sanctifying  spirit  within  you.  Beware  of  all 
eagerness  and  activity  of  your  own  natural  spirit 
and  temper.  Run  not  in  any  hasty  ways  of 
your  own.  Be  patient  under  the  sense  of  your 
own  vanity  and  weakness ;  and  patiently  wait 
for  God  to  do  His  own  work,  and  in  His  own 

way. 

\Vm.  Law 


3-4 


November  19. 


November  20. 


325 


If  any  tnan  among  yon  seem  to  be  religious^  and 
bridleth  not  his  tongue^  but  deceiveih  his  own  hearty 
this  man's  religion  is  vain.  —  James  i.  26. 

/  saidy  I  will  take  heed  to  my  ways,  that  T  sin 
not  with  my  tongue.  —  Ps.  xxxix.  i. 


No  sinful  word,  nor  deed  of  wrong, 

Nor  thoughts  that  idly  rove ; 
But  simple  truth  be  on  our  tongue, 

And  in  our  hearts  be  love. 

St.  Ambrose. 


T  ET  us  all  resolve,  —  First,  to  attain  the  grace 
"■^  of  silence;  Second,  to  deem  all  fault- 
finding that  does  no  good  a  sin,  and  to  resolve, 
when  we  are  happy  ourselves,  not  to  poison  the 
atmosphere  for  our -neighbors  by  calling  on  them 
to  remark  every  painful  and  disagreeable  feature 
of  their  daily  life ;  Third,  to  practise  the  grace 

and  virtue  of  praise. 

Harriet  B.  Stovve. 

Surrounded  by  those  who  constantly  exhibit 

defects  of  character  and  conduct,  if  we  yield  to 

a  complaining  and  impatient  spirit,  we  shall  mar 

our  own  peace  without  having  the  satisfaction  of 

benefiting  others. 

T.  C.  Upham. 


Ye  have  need  of  patience^  that,  after  ye  have  done 
the  will  of  God,  ye  might  receive  the  promise.  — 
Heb.  X.  36. 

Sweet  Patience,  come : 
Not  from  a  low  and  earthly  source, — 
Waiting,  till  things  shall  have  their  course, — 
Not  as  accepting  present  pain 
In  hope  of  some  hereafter  gain,  — 
Not  in  a  dull  and  sullen  calm, — 
But  as  a  breath  of  heavenly  balm, 
Bidding  my  weary  heart  submit 
To  bear  whatever  God  sees  fit : 

Sweet  Patience,  come ! 

Hymns  of  the  Church  Militant. 

pATIENCE  endues  her  scholars  with  content 
^  of  mind,  and  evenness  of  temper,  prevent- 
ing all  repining  grumbling,  and  impatient  desires, 
and  inordinate  affections ;  disappointments  here 
are  no  crosses,  and  all  anxious  thoughts  are  dis- 
armed of  their  sting;  in  her  habitations  dwell 
quietness,  submission,  and  long-suffering,  all  fierce 
turbulent  inclinations  are  hereby  allayed.  The 
eyes  of  the  patient  fixedly  wait  the  inward  power 
of  God's  providence,  and  they  are  thereby 
mightily   enabled    towards    their    salvation   and 

preservation. 

Thomas  Tryon. 


ill 

I 


326 


November  21. 


Noveint)er  22. 


327 


Man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone,  but  by  every 
word  that  proceedeth  out  of  the  mouth  of  God. — 

Matt.  iv.  4. 

A  man''!  life  consistcth  not  in  the  abundance  of 
the  things  which  he possesseth.  —  Luke  xii.  15. 

Whatever  God  does  is  well. 

Whether  He  gives  or  takes  I 

And  what  we  from  His  hand  receive 

Suffices  us  to  live. 
He  takes  and  gives,  while  yet  He  loves  us  still. 

Then  love  His  will. 

B.   SCHMOLCK. 

TS  that  beast  better,  that  hath  two  or  three  moun- 
-*•  tains  to  graze  on,  than  a  little  bee,  that  feeds 
on  dew  or  manna,  and  lives  upon  what  falls  every 
morning  from  the  storehouse  of  heaven,  clouds, 

and  providence  ? 

Jeremy  Taylor. 

For  myself  I  am  certain  that  the  good  of  hu- 
man life  cannot  lie  in  the  possession  of  things 
which  for  one  man  to  possess  is  for  the  rest  to 
lose,  but  rather  in  things  which  all  can  possess 
alike,  and  where  one  man's  wealth  promotes  his 

neighbor's. 

B.  Spinoza. 

Every  lot  is  happy  to  a  person  who  bears  it 
with  tranquillity. 

BOETHIUS. 


Your  Father  knoweth  what  things  ye  have  need 
of.  —  Matt.  vi.  8. 

Seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  His  right- 
eousness^  and  all  these  things  shall  be  added  unto 
you.  — Matt.  vi.  33. 

Thy  kingdom  come,  with  power  and  grace, 

To  every  heart  of  man  ; 
Thy  ]>eace,  and  joy,  and  righteousness 

In  all  our  bosoms  reign. 

C.  Wesley. 

/^^OD  bids  us,  then,  by  past  mercies,  by  present 
grace,  by  fears  of  coming  ill,  by  hopes  in 
His  goodness,  earnestly,  with  our  whole  hearts, 
seek  Him  and  His  righteousness,  and  all  these 
things,  all  ye  need  for  soul  and  body,  peace,  com- 
fort, joy,  the  overflowing  of  His  consolations, 
shall  be  added  over  and  above  to  you. 

E.   B.    PUSEY. 

Graxt  us,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee,  always 
to  seek  Thy  kingdom  and  righteousness,  and  of 
whatsoever  Thou  seest  us  to  stand  in  need,  mer- 
cifully grant  us  an  abundant  portion.     Amen. 

Be  content  to  be  a  child,  and  let  the  Father 
proportion  out  daily  to  thee  what  light,  what 
power,  what  exercises,  what  straits,  what  fears, 
what  troubles  He  sees  fit  for  thee. 

I.  Penington. 


*  '. 


••  il 


'  -I 

ti 


I 


328 


November  23. 


/  have  taitj^ht  thee  in  the  way  of  wisdom  j  I  have 
led  thee  in  right  paths.  —  Prov.  iv.  11. 

We  know  not  what  the  path  may  be 

As  yet  by  us  untrod  ; 
But  we  can  trust  our  all  to  Thee, 

Our  Father  and  our  God. 

\Vm.  J.  Irons. 

WE  have  very  little  command  over  the  cir- 
cumstances in  which  we  may  be  called  by 
God  to  bear  our  part  —  unlimited  command  over 
the  temper  of  our  souls,  but  next  to  no  command 
over  the  outward  forms  of  trial.  The  most  ener- 
getic will  cannot  order  the  events  by  which  our 
spirits  are  to  be  perilled  and  tested.  Powers 
quite  beyond  our  reach  —  death,  accident,  for- 
tune, another's  sin  —  may  change  in  a  moment 
all  the  conditions  of  our  life.  With  to-morrow's 
sun  existence  may  have  new  and  awful  aspects 

for  any  of  us. 

J.  II.  Thom, 

Oh,  my  friend,  look  not  out  at  what  stands  in 
the  way  ;  what  if  it  look  dreadfully  as  a  lion,  is  not 
the  Lord  stronger  than  the  mountains  of  prey? 
but  look  />/,  where  the  law  of  life  is  written,  and 
the  will  of  the  Lord  revealed,  that  thou  mayest 
know  what  is  the  Lord's  will  concerning  thee. 

I.  Penington 


November  24. 


329 


Be  Of  good  coura<:^e,  and  He  shall  strengthen  your 
heart,  all  ye  that  hope  in  the  Lord.  —  Ps.  xxxi.  24. 

Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled,  7tcither  let  it  be 
ajraid.  —  John  xiv.  27. 

In  heavenly  love  abiding, 

No  change  my  heart  shall  fear  ; 

And  safe  is  such  confiding. 
For  nothing  changes  here. 

A.  L.  Waring. 

A  TRUE  Christian,  that  hath  power  over  his 
own  will,  may  live  nobly  and  happily,  and 
enjoy  a  clear  heaven  within  the  serenity  of  his 
own  mind  perpetually.  When  the  sea  of  this 
world  is  most  rough  and  tempestuous  about  him, 
then  can  he  ride  safely  at  anchor  within  the 
haven,  by  a  sweet  compliance  of  his  will  with 
God's  will.  He  can  look  about  him,  and  with 
an  even  and  indifferent  mind  behold  the  world 
either  to  smile  or  frown  u])on  him  ;  neither  will 
he  abate  of  the  least  of  his  contentment  for  all 
the  ill  and  unkind  usage  he  meets  withal  in  this 
life.  He  that  hath  got  the  mastery  over  his  own 
will  feels  no  violence  from  without,  finds  no  con- 
tests within ;  and  when  God  calls  for  him  out 
of  this  state  of  mortality,  he  finds  in  himself 
a  power  to  lay  down  his  own  life  ;  neither  is  it 
so  much  taken  from  him,  as  quietly  and  freely 

surrendered  u])  by  him. 

Dr.  John  Smith. 


^ ; 


t  ^ 


V 


i 


\ 


330 


November  25. 


And  the  Lord,  He  it  is  that  doth  go  before  thee; 
He  will  be  with  thee,  He  will  not  fail  thee,  neither 
forsake  thee:  fear  not,  neither  be  dismayed.— 
Deut.  xxxi.  8. 

Know  well,  my  soul,  God's  hand  controls 

Whate'er  thou  fearest ; 
Round  Him  in  calmest  music  rolls 

Whate'er  thou  hearest. 

J.  G.  Whittier- 

THE  lessons  of  the  moral  sentiment  are,  once 
for  all,  an  emancipation  from  that  anxiety 
which  takes  the  joy  out  of  all  life.  It  teaches 
a  great  peace.  It  comes  itself  from  the  highest 
place.  It  is  that,  which  being  in  all  sound 
natures,  and  strongest  in  the  best  and  most 
gifted  men,  we  know  to  be  implanted  by. the 
Creator  of  men.  It  is  a  commandment  at  every 
moment,  and  in  every  condition  of  life,  to  do  the 
duty  of  that  moment,  and  to  abstain  from  doing 

the  wrong. 

R.  \V.  Emerson. 

Go  face  the  fire  at  sea,  or  the  cholera  in  your 
friend's  house,  or  the  burglar  in  your  own,  or 
what  danger  lies  in  the  way  of  duty,  knowing 
you  are  guarded  by  the  cherubim  of  Destiny. 

R.  W.  Emerson. 


November  26. 


331 


Behold,  I  am  with  thee,  and  will  keep  thee  in  all 
places  whither  thou  goest.  —  Gen.  xxviii.  15. 


Be  quiet,  soul : 
Why  shouldst  thou  care  and  sadness  borrow, 
Why  sit  in  nameless  fear  and  sorrow, 

The  livelong  day  ? 
God  will  mark  out  thy  path  to-morrow 

In  His  best  way. 


Anon. 


T  HAD  hoped,  Madame,  to  find  you  here,  and 
was  rejoicing  in  that  hope ;  but  God  has 
sent  you  elsewhere.  The  best  place  is  wherever 
He  puts  us,  and  any  other  would  be  undesirable, 
all  the  worse  because  it  would  please  our  fancy, 
and  would  be  of  our  own  choice.  Do  not  think 
about  distant  events.  This  uneasiness  about  the 
future  is  unwholesome  for  you.  We  must  leave 
to  God  all  that  depends  on  Him,  and  think  only 
of  being  faithful  in  all  that  depends  upon  our- 
selves. When  God  takes  away  that  which  He 
has  given  you.  He  knows  well  how  to  replace  it, 
either  through  other  means  or  by  Himself. 

F^NELON. 


'  t 


;! 


:i 


1 


332 


November  27. 


I 


The  Lord  hath   been  mindful  of  us :  He  will 
bless  us.  —  Ps.  cxv.  12. 

My  Father  1  what  am  I,  that  all 
Thy  mercies  sweet  like  sunlight  fall 

So  constant  o'er  my  way  ? 
That  Thy  great  love  should  shelter  me, 
And  giiitle  my  steps  so  tenderly 

Through  every  changing  day  ? 

Anon. 

117  HAT  a  strength  and  spring  of  life,  what 
^^  hope  and  trust,  what  glad,  unresting 
energy,  is  in  this  one  thought,  —  to  serve  Him 
who  is  "my  Lord,"  ever  near  me,  ever  looking 
on;  seeing  my  intentions  before  He  beholds 
my  failures;  knowing  my  desires  before  He  sees 
my  faults;  cheering  me  to  endeavor  greater 
things,  and  yet  accepting  the  least ;  inviting  my 
poor  service,  and  yet,  above  all,  content  with 
my  poorer  love.  Let  us  try  to  realize  this,  what- 
soever, wheresoever  we  be.  The  humblest  and 
the  simplest,  the  weakest  and  the  most  encum- 
bered, may  love  Him  not  less  than  the  busiest 
and  strongest,  the  most  gifted  and  laborious. 
If  our  heart  be  clear  before  Him  ;  if  He  be  to 
us  our  chief  and  sovereign  choice,  dear  above 
all,  and  beyond  all  desired  ;  then  all  else  matters 
little.     That  which  concerneth  us  He  will  perfect 

in  stillness  and  in  power. 

H.  E.  Manning. 


November  28. 


333 


Yea,  I  have  loved  thee  with  an  everlasting  love  : 
therefore  with  loving-kindness  have  I  drawn  thee, 
—  Jek.  xxxi.  3. 

On  the  great  love  of  God  I  lean, 

Love  of  the  Infinite,  Unseen, 

With  nought  of  heaven  or  earth  between. 

This  God  is  mine,  and  I  am  His; 

His  love  is  all  I  need  of  bliss. 

H.    BONAP- 


TF  ever  human  love  was  tender,  and  self- 
sacrificing,  and  devoted ;  if  ever  it  could 
l)ear  and  forbear ;  if  ever  it  could  suffer  gladly 
for  its  loved  ones  ;  if  ever  it  was  willing  to  pour 
itself  out  in  a  lavish  abandonment  for  the  comfort 
or  pleasure  of  its  objects ;  then  infinitely  more 
is  Divine  love  tender,  and  self-sacrificing,  and 
devoted,  and  glad  to  bear  and  forbear,  and  to 
suffer,  and  to  lavish  its  best  of  gifts  and  blessings 
upon  the  objects  of  its  love.  Put  together  all 
tlie  tenderest  love  you  know  of,  the  deepest  you 
have  ever  felt,  and  the  strongest  that  has  ever 
been  poured  out  upon  you,  and  heap  upon  it 
all  the  love  of  all  the  loving  human  hearts  in  the 
world,  and  then  multi|)ly  it  by  infinity,  and  you  wiU 
begin,  perhaps,  to  have  some  faint  glimpse  of 
what  the  love  of  God  is. 

H.  W.  S 


I 

i 


334 


November  29. 


II 


My  sons,  be  not  now  negligent :  for  the  Lord  hath 
chosen  you  to  stand  before  Him,  to  serve  Him.  — 
2  Chron.  xxix.  II. 

Bright  be  my  prospect  as  I  pass  along;  — 
An  ardent  service  at  the  cost  of  all,  — 

Love  by  untiring  ministry  made  strong, 
And  ready  for  the  first,  the  softest  call. 

A.  L.  Waring. 

THERE  are  many  things  that  appear  trifles, 
which  greatly  tend  to  enervate  the  soul, 
and  hinder  its  progress  in  the  path  to  virtue  and 
glory.  The  habit  of  inchilging  in  things  which 
our  judgment  cannot  thoroughly  api)rove,  grows 
stronger  and  stronger  by  every  act  of  self-gratifi- 
cation, and  we  are  led  on  by  degrees  to  an  excess 
of  luxury  which  must  greatly  weaken  our  hands 
in  the  spiritual  warfare.  If  we  do  not  endeavor 
to  do  that  which  is  right  in  every  particular  cir- 
cumstance, though  trifling,  we  shall  be  in  great 
danger  of  letting  the  same  negligence  take  place 

in  matters  more  essential. 

Margaret  Woods. 

The  will  can  only  be  made  submissive  by 
frequent  self-denials,  which  must  keep  in  sul)jec- 
tion  its  sallies  and  inclinations.  Great  weakness 
is  of^en  produced  by  indulgences  which  seem  of 
no  importance. 

M.    MOLINOS. 


November  30. 


335 


U'Jiy  art  thou  cast  down^  O  my  soul ?  and  why 
art  thou  disquieted  in  nie  ?  hope  thou  in  God ; 
for  I  shall  yet  praise  Him  for  the  kelp  of  His  coun- 
tenance.—  Ps.  xlii.  5. 

IVe  are  troubled  on  every  side,  yet  not  dist?esssd. 
—  2  CoR.  iv.  8. 

Oh,  my  soul,  why  art  thou  vexed  ? 

Let  things  go  e'en  as  they  will ; 
Though  to  thee  they  seem  perplexed, 

Yet  His  order  they  fulfil. 

A.  H.  Francke. 

'T^HE  vexation,   restlessness,   and   impatience 

"*•       whicli  small  trials  cause,  arise  wholly  from 

our  ignorance  and  want  of  self-control.     We  may 

be  thwarted  and  troubled,  it  is  true,  but  these 

things    put    us  into  a   condition  for    exercising 

patience   and   meek  submission,   and   the   self- 

al)negation  wherein  alone  the  fulness  of  God  is  to 

be  found. 

De  Renty. 

Every  day  deny  yourself  some  satisfaction  ;  — 
bearing  all  the  inconveniences  of  life  (for  the 
love  of  God),  cold,  hunger,  restless  nights,  ill 
health,  unwelcome  news,  the  faults  of  servants, 
cor.tempt,  ingratitude  of  friends,  malice  of  ene- 
mies, ralnninies,  our  own  failings,  lowness  of 
sj)irits,  the  struggle  in  overcoming  our  corrup- 
tions ;  —  bearing  all  these  with  patience  and 
resignation  to  the  will  of  God.  Do  all  this  as 
unto  God,  with  the  greatest  privacy. 

Bishop  Wilson 


:i 


J I 


I"! 


il 


53<5 


December  1. 


December  2. 


337 


Charity   envicth  not,  .  .  .  ihinketh  no  cviL  — 

I  Cor.  xiii.  4,  5-  ,      r   ^ 

Why  dost  thou  judge  thy  brother?  or  why  dost 

thou  set  at  nought  thy  brother  /  -  Rom.  xiv.  lo. 
He  that  dcspiseth  his  neighbor,  sinncth.  —  PRO  v. 

xiv.  21. 

Look  thou  with  pity  on  a  l)rother*s  fall, 
But  dwell  not  with  stern  anger  on  his  t;iult; 
The  grace  of  (l.xl  alone  holds  thee,  holds  ail ; 
Were  that  withdrawn,  thou  too  wouldst  swerve  and  halt. 

J.  Edmestun. 

TF,  on  hearing  of  the  fall  of  a  brother,  however 
•*•  'differing  or  severed  from  us,  we  feel  the  least 
inclination  to  linger  over  it,  instead  of  hiding  it  in 
grief  and  shame,  or  veiling  it  in  the  love  which 
covereth  a  multitude  of  sins  ;  if,  in  seeing  a  joy  or 
a  grace  or  an  effective  service  given  to  others,  \\  c 
do  not  rejoice,  but  feel  dej^ressed,  let  us  be  very 
watchful ;  the  most  diabolical  of  passions  may 
mask  itself  as  humility,  or  zeal  for  the  glory  of 

God. 

Elizaheth  Chaklls. 

Love  taketh  up  no  malign  elements  ;  its  spirit 
prompteth  it  to  cover  in  mercy  all  things  that 
ought  not  to  be  exi)Osed,  to  believe  all  of  good 
that  can  be  believed,  to  hope  all  things  that  a 
good  God  makes  possible,  and  to  endure  all  things 
that  the  hope  may  be  made  good. 

^  J.   H.  THO.M 


Therefore  thou  art  inexcusable^  O  vian^  whoso- 
ever thou  art  that  judgest:  for  wherein  thou  judg- 
est  another^  thou  condeninest  thyself ;  for  thou  that 
judgest  doest  the  same  things.  —  Rom.  ii.  i. 

Search  thine  own  heart.     What  paincth  thee 

In  others,  in  thyself  may  be  ; 
All  dust  is  frail,  all  flesh  is  weak; 

Be  thou  the  true  man  thou  dost  seek. 

J.  G.  Whittier, 

A  SAINT'S  life  in  one  man  may  be  less  than 
common  honesty  in  another.  From  us, 
whose  consciences  He  has  reached  and  enlight- 
ened, God  may  look  for  a  martyr's  truth,  a  Chris- 
tian's unworldly  simplicity,  before  He  will  place 
us  on  a  level  even  with  the  average  of  the  exposed 
classes.  We  perhaps  think  our  lives  at  least 
harmless.  We  do  not  consider  what  He  may 
think  of  them,  when  compared  with  the  invita- 
tions of  His  that  we  have  slighted,  with  the  aims 
of  His  Providence  we  are  leaving  without  our 
help,  with  the  glory  for  ourselves  we  are  refusing 
and  casting  away,  with  the  vast  sum  of  blessed 
work  tliat  daily  faithfulness  in  time  can  rear  with- 
out overwork  on  any  single  day. 

J   H.  Thom 

22 


:i 


.1 


338 


December  3. 


December  4. 


339 


Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  you  with  all  joy  and 
peace  in  believing^  that  ye  may  abound  in  hope^ 
through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  —  Rom. 
XV.  13. 

To  heaven  I  lift  my  waiting  eyes ; 

There  all  my  hopes  are  laid ; 
The  Lord  that  built  the  earth  and  skies 

Is  my  perpetual  aid. 

I.  Watts. 

/^^ROVE^L  not  in  things  below,  among  earthly 
^^  cares,  pleasures,  anxieties,  toils,  if  thou 
wouldst  have  a  good  strong  hope  on  high.  Lift 
up  thy  cares  with  thy  heart  to  God,  if  thou 
wouldst  liope  in  Him.  Then  see  what  in  thee  is 
most  disi)leasing  to  God.  This  it  is  which  hold- 
eth  thy  hope  tlown.  Strike  firmly,  repeatedly,  in 
the  might  of  God,  until  it  give  way.  Thy  hope 
will  soar  at  once  with  thy  thanks  to  God  who 
delivereth  thee. 

E.   B.   PUSEY. 

The  snares  of  the  enemy  will  be  so  known  to 

thee  and  discerned,  the  way  of  help  so  manifest 

and  easy,  that  their  strength  will  be  broken,  and 

the  poor  entangled  bird  will  fly  away  singing, 

from  the  nets  and  entanglements  of  the  fowler ; 

and  praises  will  spring  up,  and  great  love  in  thy 

heart  to  the  Forgiver  and  Redeemer. 

L  Penington. 


Fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  lay  hold  on  eter- 
nal life  J  whereunto  thou  art  also  called.  —  i  Tim- 
vi.  12. 


On,  dream  no  more  of  quiet  life  ; 
Care  finds  the  careless  out ;  more  wise  to  vow 

Thy  heart  entire  to  faith's  pure  strife  ; 
So  peace  will  come,  thou  knowest  not  when  or  how. 

Lyra  Apostolica- 


"ITfHO  art  thou  that  complainest  of  thy  life  of 
toil  ?  Complain  not.  Look  up,  my  wea- 
ried brother ;  see  thy  fellow-workmen  there,  in 
God's  Eternity ;  surviving  there,  they  alone 
surviving ;  sacred  band  of  the  Immortals,  ce- 
lestial body-guard  of  the  empire  of  mankind. 
To  thee  Heaven,  though  severe,  is  not  unkind ; 
Heaven  is  kind,  —  as  a  noble  mother;  as  that 
Spartan  motlier,  saying  while  she  gave  her  son 
his  shield,  "  With  it,  my  son,  or  upon  it."  Thou 
too  shalt  return  home  in  honor  ;  to  thy  far-distant 
Home,  in  honor  ;  doubt  it  not,  —  if  in  the  battle 
thou  keep  thy  shield  !  Thou,  in  the  Eternities 
and  deepest  death-kingdoms  art  not  an  alien ; 
thou  everywhere  art  a  denizen.     Complain  not. 

T.  Carlyle 


340 


December  5. 


December  6. 


341 


The  God  of  all  grace^  who  hath  called  us  unto 
His  eternal  glory  by  Christ  Jesus^  after  that  ye 
have  suffered  a  while,  make  you  perfect,  stablish, 
strengthen,  settle  you.  —  i  Pet.  v.  io. 

Take  heed,  and  be  quiet ;  fear  not,  neither  be 
faint-hearted.  —  IsA.  vii.  4. 

How  shalt  thou  bear  the  cross  that  now 

So  dread  a  weight  appears  ? 

Keep  quietly  to  God,  and  think 

Upon  the  Eternal  Years. 

F.  W.  Faber. 

r^  OD  forgive  them  that  raise  an  ill  report  upon 
^^  the  sweet  cross  of  Christ;  it  is  but  our 
weak  and  dim  eyes,  that  look  but  to  the  black 
side,  that  makes  us  mistake  ;  those  that  can  take 
that  crabbed  tree  handsomely  upon  their  backs, 
and  fasten  it  on  cannily,  shall  find  it  such  a  bur- 
den as  wings  unto  a  bird,  or  sails  to  a  ship. 

S   Rutherford. 

Blessed  is  any  weight,  however  overwhelming, 
which  God  has  been  so  good  as  to  fasten  with 
His  own  hand  upon  our  shoulders. 

F.  W.  Faijer. 

We  cannot  say  this  or  that  trouble  shall  not 
befall,  yet  we  may,  by  help  of  the  Spirit,  say, 
nothing  that  doth  befall  shall  make  me  do  that 
which  is  unworthy  of  a  Christian. 

R.  SiBBES. 


This  God  is  our  God  for  ever  and  ever  :  He  will 
he  our  guide  even  unto  death.  —  Ps.  xlviii.  14. 

For  the  Lord  shall  be  thy  confdence.  —  Prov. 
iii.  26. 

Be  still,  my  soul !  Thy  God  doth  undertake 
To  guide  the  future,  as  He  has  the  past : 

Thy  hope,  thy  confidence,  let  nothing  shake. 
All  now  mysterious  shall  be  bright  at  last. 

J.   BORTHWICK. 

TTE  has  kept  and  folded  us  from  ten  thousand 
•■•  -^  ills  when  we  did  not  know  it :  in  the 
midst  of  our  security  we  should  have  perished 
every  hour,  but  that  He  sheltered  us  ''  from  the 
terror  by  night  and  from  the  arrow  that  flieth 
by  day  "  —  from  the  powers  of  evil  that  walk  in 
darkness,  from  snares  of  our  own  evil  will.  He 
has  kept  us  even  against  ourselves,  and  saved  us 
even  from  our  own  undoing.  Let  us  read  the 
traces  of  His  hand  in  all  our  ways,  in  all  the  events, 
the  chances,  the  changes  of  this  troubled  state. 
It  is  He  that  folds  and  feeds  us,  that  makes  us  to 
go  in  and  out,  —  to  be  fiiint,  or  to  find  pasture, 
— *-  to  lie  down  by  the  still  waters,  or  to  walk  by 
the  way  that  is  parched  and  desert. 

H.  E.  Manning. 

We   are   never  without   help.     We   have   no 

right  to  say  of  any  good  work,  it  is  too  hard  for 

me  to  do,  or  of  any  sorrow,  it  is  too  hard  for  me 

to  bear ;  or  of  any  sinful  habit,  it  is  too  hard  for 

me  to  overcome. 

Elizabeth  Charles 


II 


342 


December  7. 


December  8. 


343 


Acquaint  now  thyself  with  Him,  and  be  at  peace 
—  Job  xxii.  21. 

All  thy  children  shall  be  tait^ht  of  the  Lord,  and 
great  shall  be  the  peace  of  thy  children,  —  Is  A. 
liv.  13. 

Unite,  my  roving  thoughts,  unite 

In  silence  soft  and  sweet ; 
And  thou,  my  soul,  sit  gently  down 

At  thy  great  Sovereign's  feet. 

P.  Doddridge. 

YES  !  blessed  are  those  holy  hours  in  which 
the  soul  retires  from  the  world  to  be  alone 
with  God.  God's  voice,  as  Himself,  is  every- 
where. Within  and  without,  He  speaks  to  our 
souls,  if  we  would  hear.  Only  the  din  of  the 
world,  or  the  tumult  of  our  own  hearts,  deafens 
our  inward  ear  to  it.  Learn  to  commune  with 
Him  in  stillness,  and  He,  whom  thou  hast  sought 
in  stillness,  will  be  with  thee  when  thou  goest 
abroad. 

E.  B.  PUSEY. 

The  great  step  and  direct  path  to  the  fear  and 
awful  reverence  of  God,  is  to  meditate,  and  with 
a  sedate  and  silent  hush  to  turn  the  eyes  of  the 
mind  inwards  ;  there  to  seek,  and  with  a  sul)- 
missive  spirit  wait  at  the  gates  of  Wisdom's 
temple  \  and  then  the  Divine  Voice  and  Distin- 
guishing Power  will  arise  in  the  light  and  centre 

of  a  man's  self. 

Thomas  Tryon. 


Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christy  who  hath  blessed  us  with  all  spiritual 
blessings.  —  Eph.  i.  3 

As  sorrowful,  yet  alway  rejoicing. — 2  CoR. 
vi.  10. 

It  is  not  happiness  I  seek, 
Its  name  I  hardly  dare  to  speak ; 
It  is  not  made  for  man  or  earth, 
And  Heaven  alone  can  give  it  birth. 

There  is  a  something  sweet  and  pure. 
Through  life,  through  death  it  may  endure; 
With  steady  foot  I  onward  press, 
And  long  to  win  that  Blessedness. 

Louisa  J.  Hall. 

T^HE  elements  of  happiness  in  this  present 
-*-  life  no  man  can  command,  even  if  he 
could  command  himself,  for  they  depend  on  the 
action  of  many  wills,  on  the  purity  of  many 
hearts,  and  by  the  highest  law  of  God  the  holiest 
must  ever  bear  the  sins  and  sorrows  of  the  rest ; 
but  over  the  blessedness  of  his  own  spirit  circum- 
stance need  have  no  control ;  God  has  therein 
given  an  unlimited  power  to  the  means  of  pres- 
ervation, of  grace  and  growth,  at  every  man's 
command. 

J.  II.  Thom 

There  is  in  man  a  higher  than  love  of  happi- 
ness :  he  can  do  witliout  happiness,  and  instead 
thereof  find  blessedness  1 

T.  Carlylb. 


344 


December  9. 


For  this  shall  e^'ery  one  that  is  godly  pray  unto 
Thee  in  a  time  when  Thou  may  est  be  found :  surely 
in  the  floods  of  great  waters  they  shall  not  come 
nigh  unto  him.  —  Fs.  xxxii.  6. 


December  10. 


345 


Behold^  we  count  them  happy  which  endure.—' 
James  v.  ii. 

If  ye  endure  chastening,  God  dealeth  with  you  as 
with  sons.  —  Heb.  xii.  7. 


i 


Be  not  o'ermastered  by  thy  pain, 

But  cling  to  God,  thou  shalt  not  fall ; 
The  floods  sweep  over  thee  in  vain, 

Thou  yet  shalt  rise  above  them  all ; 
For  when  thy  trial  seems  too  hard  to  bear, 
Lol  God,  thy  King,  hath  granted  all  thy  prayer : 

Be  thou  content. 

P.  Gerhardt. 


TT  is  the  Lord's  mercy,  to  give  thee  breathings 
after  life,  and  cries  unto  Him  against  that 
which  oppresseth  thee  ;  and  happy  wilt  thou  be, 
when  He  shall  fill  thy  soul  with  that  which  He 
hath  given  thee  to  breathe  after.  Be  not  troubled  ; 
for  if  troubles  abound,  and  there  be  tossing,  and 
storms,  and  tempests,  and  no  peace,  nor  any- 
thing visible  left  to  support ;  yet,  lie  still,  and 
sink  beneath,  till  a  secret  hojje  stir,  which  will 
stay  the  heart  in  the  midst  of  all  these ;  imtil 
the  Lord  administer  comfort,  who  knows  how 
and  what  relief  to  give  to  the  weary  traveller, 
that  knows  not  where  it  is,  nor  which  way  to  look, 

nor  where  to  expect  a  path. 

I.  Penington. 


Trials  must  and  will  befall ; 

But  with  humble  faith  to  see 
Love  inscribed  upon  them  all, 

This  is  happiness  to  me. 

W. 


COWPER. 


T3E  not  afraid  of  those  trials  which  God  may 
see  fit  to  send  upon  thee.  It  is  with  the 
wind  and  storm  of  tribulation  that  God  separates 
the  true  wheat  from  the  chaff.  Always  remember, 
therefore,  that  God  comes  to  thee  in  thy  sorrows, 
as  really  as  in  thy  joys.  He  lays  low,  and  He 
builds  up.  Thou  wilt  find  thyself  far  from  per- 
fection, if  thod  dost  not  find  God  in  every- 
thing. 

M.  MoiiNOS. 

God  hath  provided  a  sweet  and  quiet  life  for 
His  children,  could  they  improve  and  use  it; 
a  calm  and  firm  conviction  in  all  the  storms  and 
troubles  that  are  about  them,  however  things  go, 
to  find  content,  and  be  careful  for  nothing. 

R.  Leighton. 


II 


34<5 


December  11. 


Oh  that  Thou  wouldest  bless  me  indeed^  and  thai 
Thine  hand  might  be  with  me,  and  that  Thou 
wouldest  keep  me  from  evil^  that  it  may  not  grieve 
me! —  I  Chron.  iv.  lo. 

Ye  shall  serve  the  Lord  your  God,  and  He  shall 
bless  thy  bread  and  thy  water,  ^Ex.  xxiii.  25. 

What  I  possess,  or  what  T  crave, 
Brings  no  content,  great  God,  to  me, 

If  what  I  would,  or  what  I  have, 
Be  not  possest,  and  blest,  in  Thee ; 
What  I  enjoy,  O  make  it  mine, 
In  making  me  that  have  it.  Thine. 

J.  QUARLES. 

/^FFER  up  to  God  all  pure  affections,  desires, 
^^  regrets,  and  all  the  bonds  which  link  us  to 
home,  kindred,  and  friends,  together  with  all  our 
works,  purposes,  and  labors.  These  things,  which 
are  not  only  lawful,  bat  sacred,  become  then  the 
matter  of  thanksgiving  and  oblation.  Memories, 
plans  for  the  future,  wishes,  intentions ;  works 
just  begun,  half  done,  all  but  completed  ;  emo- 
tions, sympathies,  affections,  —  all  these  things 
throng  tumultuously  and  dangerously  in  the  heart 
and  will.  The  only  way  to  master  them  is  to 
offer  them  up  to  Him,  as  once  ours,  under  Him, 

always  His  by  right. 

H.  E.  Manning. 


II 


December  12. 


347 


/  delight  to  do   Thy  will,  O  my  God:  yea.  Thy 
law  is  within  my  heart.  —  Ps.  xl.  8. 

A  PATIENT,  a  victorious  mind, 
That  life  and  all  things  casts  behind, 

Springs  forth  obedient  to  Thy  call ; 
A  heart  that  no  desire  can  move, 
But  still  to  adore,  believe,  and  love, 

Give  me,  my  Lord,  my  Life,  my  All 

P.   GhRHAKDT. 

THAT  piety  which  sanctifies  us,  and  which  is 
a  true  devotion  to  God,  consists  in  doing 
all  His  will  precisely  at  the  time,  in  the  situation, 
and  under  the  circumstances,  in  which  He  has 
placed  us.  Perfect  dcvotedness  requires,  not 
only  that  we  do  the  will  of  God,  but  that  we  do  it 
with  love.  God  would  have  us  serve  Him  with 
delight ;  it  is  our  hearts  that  He  asks  of  us. 

F6NEL0N. 

Devotion  is  really  neither  more  nor  less  than 
a  general  inclination  and  readiness  to  do  that 
which  we  know  to  be  acceptable  to  God.  It  is 
that "  free  spirit,"  of  which  David  spoke  when  he 
said,  "  I  will  run  the  way  of  Thy  commandments, 
when  Thou  hast  set  my  heart  at  liberty."  Peo- 
ple of  ordinary  goodness  walk  in  God's  way,  but 
the  devout  run  in  it,  and  at  length  they  almost 
fly  therein.  ...  To  be  truly  devout,  we  must 
not  only  do  God's  will,  but  we  must  do  it  cheer- 
fully. 

Francis  de  Sales. 


348 


December  13. 


December  14. 


349 


I 


li 


So  teach  us  to  nuuiber  our  days^  that  we  may 
apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom.  —  Ps.  xc.  I2. 

Seek  ye  not  what  ye  shall  eat,  or  what  ye  shall 
drink,  neither  be  ye  of  doubtful  mind,  —  Luke 
xii.  29. 

Our  days  are  numbered:  let  us  spare 
Our  anxious  hearts  a  needless  care  : 
*Tis  Thine  to  number  out  our  days; 
'T  is  ours  to  give  them  to  Thy  praise. 

Madame  Guyon. 

T^VERY  day  let  us  renew  the  consecration  to 
'^  God's  sen- ice ;  every  day  let  us,  in  His 
strength,  pledge  ourselves  afresh  to  do  His  will, 
even  in  the  veriest  trifle,  and  to  turn  aside  from 
anything  that  may  displease  Him.  ,  .  .  Fie  does 
not  bid  us  bear  the  burdens  of  to-morrow,  next 
week,  or  next  year.  Every  day  we  are  to  come 
to  Him  in  simple  obedience  and  faith,  asking 
help  to  keep  us,  and  aid  us  through  that  day's 
work ;  and  to-morrow,  and  to-morrow,  and  to- 
morrow, through  years  of  long  to-morrows,  it  will 
be  but  the  same  thing  to  do  ;  leaving  the  future 
always  in  God's  hands,  sure  that  He  can  care  for 
it  better  than  we.  IMessed  trust !  that  can  thus 
confidingly  say,  "This  hour  is  mine  with  its 
present  duty ;  the  next  is  God's,  and  when  it 
comes,  His  presence  will  come  with  it." 

Anon. 


And  as  many  as  walk  according  to  this  rule^ 
peace  be  on  them,  and  mercy ^  and  upon  the  Israel 
of  God.  —  Gal.  vi.  16. 

Lord,  I  have  given  my  life  to  Thee, 
And  every  day  and  hour  is  Thine,  — 

What  Thou  appointest  let  them  be  ; 
Thy  will  is  better,  Lord,  than  mine. 

A.  Warner. 

13  EG  IN  at  once;  before  you  venture  away 
from  this  quiet  moment,  ask  your  King  to 
take  you  wholly  into  His  service,  and  place  all 
the  hours  of  this  day  quite  simply  at  His  disposal, 
and  ask  Him  to  make  and  keep  you  ready  to 
do  just  exactly  what  He  appoints.  Never  mind 
about  to-morrow ;  one  day  at  a  time  is  enough. 
Try  it  to-day,  and  see  if  it  is  not  a  day  of  strange, 
almost  curious  peace,  so  sweet  that  you  will  be 
only  too  thankful,  when  to-morrow  comes,  to 
ask  Him  to  take  it  also,  —  till  it  will  become  a 
blessed  habit  to  hold  yourself  simply  and  "wholly 
at  Thy  commandment  for  any  manner  of  service." 
The  "  whatsoever  "  is  not  necessarily  active  work. 
It  may  be  waiting  (whether  half  an  hour  or  half 
a  lifetime),  learning,  suffering,  sitting  still.  But 
shall  we  be  less  ready  for  these,  if  any  of  them 
are  His  appointments  for  to-day?  Let  us  ask 
Him  to  prepare  us  for  all  that  He  is  preparing 

for  us. 

F.  R.  Havergai. 


SSO 


December  15. 


December  16. 


351 


Return  unto  thy  rest,  O  my  wul ;  for  the  Lord 
hath  dealt  twuntifully  with  thee.  —  Ps.  cxvi.  7. 

We  which  have  believed  do  enter  into  rest,  — 
Heb.  iv.  3. 

Rest  is  not  quitting 

The  busy  career ; 
Rest  is  the  fitting 

Of  self  to  its  sphere. 

T  is  loving  and  serving 

The  highest  and  best ! 
*T  is  onwards,  unswerving,— 

And  that  is  true  rest. 

J.   S.    DWIGHT. 

A  S  a  result  of  this  strong  faith,  the  inner  life  of 
Catherine  of  Genoa  was  characterized,  in 
a  remarkable  degree,  by  what  may  be  termed 
rest,  or  quietude  ;  which  is  only  another  form  of 
expression  for  true  interior  peace.  It  was  not, 
however,  the  quietude  of  a  lazy  inaction,  but 
the  quietude  of  an  inward  acquiescence ;  not  a 
quietude  which  feels  nothing  and  does  nothing, 
but  that  higher  and  divine  quietude  which  exists 
by  feeling  and  acting  in  the  time  and  degree  of 
God's  appointment  and  God's  will.  It  was  a 
principle  in  her  conduct,  to  give  herself  to  God 
in  the  discharge  of  duty ;  and  to  leave  all  results 
without  solicitude  in  His  hands. 

X  C  Upham. 


Thoit  understandest  my  thought  afar  off.  —  Ps. 
cxxxix.  2. 

Who  can  understand  his  errors  ?  cleanse  Thou 
me  from  secret  faults.  —  Ps.  xix    12. 

My  newest  griefs  to  Thee  are  old ; 

My  last  transgression  of  Thy  law, 
Though  wrapped  in  thought's  most  secret  fold, 

Thine  eyes  with  pitying  sadness  saw. 

H.    M.    KiMBAIJ.. 

J  ORD  our  God,  great,  eternal,  wonderful  in 
glory,  who  keepest  covenant  and  promises 
for  those  that  love  Thee  with  their  whole  heart, 
who  art  the  Life  of  all,  the  Help  of  those  that 
flee  unto  Thee,  the  Hope  of  those  who  cry  unto 
Thee,  cleanse  us  from  our  sins,  secret  and  open ; 
and  from  every  thought  displeasing  to  Thy  good- 
ness, —  cleanse  our  bodies  and  souls,  our  hearts 
and  consciences,  that  with  a  pure  heart,  and  a 
clear  soul,  with  perfect  love  and  calm  hope,  we 
may  venture  confidently  and  fearlessly  to  pray 
unto  Thee.     Amen. 

Coptic  Liturgy  of  St.  Basil. 

The  dominion  of  any  sinful  habit  will  fearfully 
estrange  us  from  His  presence.  A  single  con- 
senting act  of  inward  disobedience  in  thought  or 
will  is  enough  to  let  fall  a  cloud  between  Him 
and  us,  and  to  leave  our  hearts  cheerless  and 
dark. 

H.   E.   MANNIN& 


352 


December  17. 


The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  peace,  ion^- 
sujfering,  gentleness,  goodness,  faith^  meekness,  tem- 
perance. —  Gal.  v.  22,  23. 

Herein  is  my  Father  glorified,  that  ye  hear  much 
fruit;  so  shall  ye  be  my  disciples.  —John  xv.  8. 

O  Breath  from  out  the  Eternal  Silence!  blow 
Softly  upon  our  spirits*  barren  ground; 

The  precious  fulness  of  our  God  bestow, 

That  fruits  of  faith,  love,  reverence  may  abound. 

G.  TersteegeN. 


TS  it  possible  we  should  be  ignorant  whether 
"*■  we  feel  tempers  contrary  to  love  or  no?  — 
whether  we  rejoice  always,  or  are  burdened  and 
bowed  down  with  sorrow?  —  whether  we  have  a 
praying,  or  a  dead,  lifeless  spirit  ?  —  whether  we 
can  praise  God,  and  be  resigned  in  all  trials, 
or  feel  murmurings,  fretfulness,  and  impatience 
under  them  ?  —  is  it  not  easy  to  know  if  we  feel 
anger  at  provocations,  or  whether  we  feel  our 
tempers  mild,  genUe,  peaceable,  and  easy  to  be 
entreated,  or  feel  stubl)ornness,  self-will,  and 
pride?  whether  we  have  slavish  fears,  or  are  pos- 
sessed of  that  perfect  love  which  casteth  out  all 

fear  that  hath  torment? 

Hester  Ann  Rogers. 


December  18. 


353 


We  trust  in  the  living  God. 


I  Tim.  iv.  10. 


Thy  secret  judgment's  depths  profound 

Still  sings  the  silent  night ; 
The  day,  upon  his  golden  round, 

Thy  pity  infinite. 

I.  Williams.     Tr.  from  Latin. 

'^'OW  that  I  have  no  longer  any  sense  for  the 
-*"^  transitory  and  perishable,  the  universe  ap- 
pears before  my  eyes  under  a  transformed  aspect. 
The  dead,  heavy  mass  which  did  but  stop  up 
space  has  vanished,  and  in  its  place  there  flows 
onward,  with  the  rushing  music  of  mighty  waves, 
an  eternal  stream  of  life,  and  power,  and  action, 
which  issues  from  the  original  source  of  all  life, — 
from  Thy  life,  ()  Infinite  One  !  for  all  life  is  Thy 
iife,  and  only  the  religious  eye  penetrates  to  the 
realm  of  true  lieauty. 

J.   G.    FiCHTE. 

What  is  Nature?  Art  thou  not  the  "Living 
Garment  "  of  God  ?  O  Heavens,  is  it,  in  very 
fleed.  He  then  that  ever  speaks  through  thee ; 
that  lives  and  loves  in  thee,  that  lives  and  loves 
in  me?  Sweeter  than  dayspring  to  the  ship- 
wrecked in  Nova  Zembla ;  ah  !  like  the  mother's 
voice  to  her  little  child  that  strays  bewildered, 
weeping,  in  unknown  tumults  ;  like  soft  stream- 
ings of  celestial  music  to  my  too  exasperated 
heart,  came  that  Evangel.  The  Universe  is  not 
dead  and  demoniacal,  a  charnel-house  with  spec- 
tres ;  but  godlike,  and  my  Father's. 

T.  Carlyle. 
23 


354 


December  19. 


O  Lord,  be  <^raci(m<i  unto  us ;  lut  have  waited 
for  Thee.  —  IsA.  xxxlii.  2. 

And  now^  Lord,  what  wait  I  for?  my  hope  is 
in  Thee.  —  Ps.  xxxix.  7. 

He  never  comes  too  late ; 

He  knovveth  what  is  best; 
Vex  not  thyself  in  vain  ; 

Until  He  cometh,  rest. 

B.  T. 

TXTF^  make  mistakes,  or  what  we  call  such. 
^^  The  nature  that  could  fall  into  such  mis- 
take exactly  needs,  and  in  the  goodness  of  the 
dear  God  is  given,  the  livin:(  of  it  out.  And  be- 
yond this,  I  believe  more.  That  in  the  pure  and 
patient  living  of  it  out  we  come  to  find  that  we 
hive  fallen,  not  into  hopeless  confusion  of  our 
Divn  wild,  ignorant  making  ;  but  that  the  finger 
of  God  has  been  at  work  among  our  lines,  and 
that  the  emerging  is  into  His  blessed  order; 
that  He  is  forever  making  up  for  us  our  own  un- 
doings ;  that  He  makes  them  up  beforehand ; 
that  He  evermore  restoreth  our  souls. 

A.  D.  T.  Whitney. 

The  Lord  knows  how  to  make  stepping-stones 
for  us  of  our  defects,  even  ;  it  is  what  He  lets 
them  be  for.  He  remembereth  —  He  remem- 
bered in  the  making  —  that  we  are  but  dust ;  the 
dust  of  earth,  that  He  chose  to  make  something 
little  lower  than  the  angels  out  of. 

A.  D.  T.  Whitney. 


December  20. 


355 


Take  no  thought  how  or  what  ye  shall  speak  : 
for  it  shall  be  given  you  in  that  same  hour  what 
ye  shall  speak.  —  Matt.  x.  19. 


Just  to  follow  hour  by  hour 

As  He  leadeth  ; 
Just  to  draw  the  moment's  power 

As  it  needeth. 

F.  R.  Havergal. 

'VT'OU  have  a  disagreeable  duty  to  do  at  twelve 
o^clock.  Do  not  blacken  nine,  and  ten, 
and  eleven,  and  all  between,  with  the  color  of 
twelve.  Do  the  work  of  each,  and  reap  your 
reward  in  peace.  So  when  the  dreaded  moment 
in  the  future  becomes  the  present,  you  shall  meet 
it  walking  in  the  light,  and  that  light  will  over- 
come its  darkness.  The  best  preparation  is  the 
present  well  seen  to,  the  last  duty  done.  For 
this  will  keep  the  eye  so  clear  and  the  body  so 
full  of  light  that  the  right  action  will  be  perceived 
at  once,  the  right  words  will  rush  from  the  heart 
to  the  lips,  and  the  man,  full  of  the  Spirit  of  God 
because  he  cares  for  nothing  but  the  will  of  God, 
will  trample  on  the  evil  thing  in  love,  and  be 
sent,  it  may  be,  in  a  chariot  of  fire  to  the  pres- 
ence of  his  Father,  or  stand  unmoved  amid  the 
cruel  mockings  of  the  men  he  loves. 

G.  MacDonald 


35<5 


Decemoer  21. 


December  22. 


357 


Hast  thou  not  known  ?  hast  thou  not  heard, 
that  the  everlastini^  God,  the  Lord,  the  Creator 
of  the  ends  of  the  earth,  fainteth  not,  neither  is 
weary?  He  giveth  power  to  the  faint ;  and  to 
them  that  have  no  might  he  increaseth  strength.  — • 
ISA.  xl.  28,  29. 

Workman  of  God !  oh,  lose  not  heart, 

But  learn  what  God  is  like  ; 
And  in  the  darkest  battle-field 

Thou  shalt  know  where  to  strike. 

F.  W.  Faber. 

"pOR  the  rest,  let  that  vain  struggle  to  read 
■*■  the  mystery  of  the  Infinite  cease  to  harass 
us.  It  is  a  mystery  which,  through  all  ages, 
we  shall  only  read  here  a  line  of,  there  another 
line  of.  Do  we  not  already  know  that  the  name 
of  the  Infinite  is  Good,  is  God  ?  Here  on  earth 
we  are  as  soldiers,  fighting  in  a  foreign  land,  that 
understand  not  the  plan  of  the  campaign,  and 
have  no  need  to  understand  it ;  seeing  well  what 
is  at  our  hand  to  be  done.  Let  us  do  it  like 
soldiers,  with  submission,  with  courage,  with  a 
heroic  joy.  Behind  us,  behind  each  one  of  us,  lie 
six  thousand  years  of  human  effort,  liuman  con- 
quest :  before  us  is  the  boundless  Time,  with  its 
as  yet  uncreated  and  unconquered  continents 
and  Eldorados,  which  we,  even  we,  have  to  con- 
quer, to  create  ;  and  from  the  bosom  of  Eternity 

there  shine  for  us  celestial  guiding  stars. 

T.  Carlyle 


/  will  wait  upon  the  Lord^  that  hideth  His  face 
from  the  house  of  Jacob  y  and  I  will  look  for  Him. 
—  ISA.  viii.  17. 


What  heart  can  comprehend  Thy  name. 

Or,  searching,  find  Thee  out  ? 
Who  art  within,  a  quickening  flame, 

A  presence  round  about. 

Yet  though  I  know  Thee  but  in  part, 

I  ask  not,  Lord,  for  more  : 
Enough  for  me  to  know  Thou  art, 

To  love  Thee  and  adore. 

F.   L.   HOSxMER. 

OTAND  up,  O  heart !  and  yield  not  one  inch 
of  thy  rightful  territory  to  the  usurping  in- 
tellect. Hold  fast  to  God  in  spite  of  logic,  and 
yet  not  quite  blindly.  Be  not  torn  from  thy 
grasp  upon  the  skirts  of  His  garments  by  any 
wrench  of  atheistic  hypothesis  that  seeks  only  to 
hurl  thee  into  utter  darkness ;  but  refuse  not  to 
let  thy  hands  be  gently  unclasped  by  that  loving 
and  pious  philosophy  that  seeks  to  draw  thee 
from  the  feet  of  God  only  to  place  thee  in  His 
bosom.  Trustfully,  though  tremblingly,  let  go 
the  robe,  and  thou  shalt  rest  upon  the  heart  and 
clasp  the  verv  living  soul  of  God. 

James  Hinton. 


358 


December  23. 


December  24. 


359 


Thou,   therefore,    endure   hardness,  as   a  good 
soldier  of  Jesus  Christ.  — 2  Tim.  ii.  3. 


Where  our  Captain  bids  us  go, 
» T  is  not  ours  to  murmur,  "  No." 

He  that  gives  the  sword  and  shield, 

Chooses  too  the  battle-field 
On  which  we  are  to  fight  the  foe. 

Anon. 


OF  nothing  may  we  be  more  sure  than  this ; 
that,  if  we  cannot  sanctify  our  present  lot, 
we  could  sanctify  no  other.  Our  heaven  and 
our  Almighty  Father  are  there  or  nowhere.  The 
obstructions  of  that  lot  are  given  for  us  to  heave 
away  by  the  concurrent  touch  of  a  holy  spirit, 
and  labor  of  strenuous  will ;  its  gloom,  for  us 
to  tint  with  some  celestial  light ;  its  mysteries  are 
for  our  worship  ;  its  sorrows  for  our  trust ;  its 
perils  for  our  courage  ;  its  temptations  for  our 
faith.  Soldiers  of  the  cross,  it  is  not  for  us,  but 
for  our  Leader  and  our  Lord,  to  choose  the  field  ; 
it  is  ours,  taking  the  station  which  He  assigns, 
to  make  it  the  field  of  truth  and  honor,  though 

it  be  the  field  of  death. 

J.  Marti NEAU. 


Giving  thanks  unto  the  Father,  which  hath  made 
us  meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  the 
saints  in  ligh*,  —  Col.  i.  12. 

The  souls  most  precious  to  us  here 

May  from  this  home  have  fled  ; 
But  still  we  make  one  household  dear; 

One  Lord  is  still  our  head. 
Midst  cherubim  and  seraphim 

They  mind  their  Lord's  affairs  ; 
Oh  !  if  we  bring  our  work  to  Him 

Our  work  is  one  with  theirs. 

T.  H.  Gill 

TI7E  are  apt  to  feel  as  if  nothing  we  could  do 
on  earth  bears  a  relation  to  what  the 
good  are  doing  in  a  higher  world ;  but  it  is  not 
so.  Heaven  and  earth  are  not  so  far  apart. 
Every  disinterested  act,  every  sacrifice  to  duty, 
every  exertion  for  the  good  of  "  one  of  the  least 
of  Christ's  brethren,"  every  new  insight  into 
God's  works,  every  new  impulse  given  to  the  love 
of  truth  and  goodness,  associates  us  with  the 
departed,  brings  us  nearer  to  them,  and  is  as 
truly  heavenly  as  if  we  were  acting,  not  on  earth, 
but  in  heaven.  The  spiritual  tie  between  us  and 
the  departed  is  not  felt  as  it  should  be.  Our 
union  with  them  daily  grows  stronger,  if  we  daily 
make  progress  in  what  they  are  growing  in. 

Wm.  E.  Channinq 


36o 


December  25. 


That  ye,  being  rooted  and  groiindcdin  love,  may 
be  able  to  comprehend  with '  all  saints  what  is  the 
breadth,  and  leni^th,  and  depth,  and  height;  and 
to  know  the  love  of  Christ,  which  passcth  kmnvl- 
edge,  that  ye  might  be  Ji lied  with  all  the  fulness 
of  God. —  EvH.  iii.  i7-»9- 

O  LOVE  that  passeth  knowledge,  thee  I  need; 

Pour  in  the  heavenly  sunshine ;  fill  my  heart ; 
Scatter  the  cloud,  the  doubting,  and  the  dread,  — 

The  ioy  unspeakable  to  me  impart. 

^  "^  H.  BONAR. 

TO  examine  its  evidence  is  not  to  try  Chris- 
tianity ;  to  admire  its  martyrs  is  not  to 
try  Christianity;  to  compare  and  estimate  its 
teachers  is  not  to  try  Christianity  ;  to  attend  its 
rites  and  services  with  more  thai;  Mahometan 
punctuality  is  not  to  try  or  know  Christianity. 
But  for  one  week,  for  one  day,  to  have  lived  in 
the  pure  atmosphere  of  iliith  and  \ovQ  to  God, 
of  tenderness  to  man;  to  have  behold  earth 
annihilated,  and  heaven  opened  to  the  prophetic 
gaze  of  ho[)e  ;  to  have  seen  evermore  revealed 
behind  the  comi)licated  trouliles  of  this  strange, 
mysterious  life,  the  unchanged  smile  of  an  eternal 
Friend,  and  everything  that  is  difficult  to  reason 
solved  by  that  reposing  trust  which  is  higher  and 
better  than  reason,— to  have  known  and  felt  this. 
I  will  not  say  for  a  life,  but  for  a  single  blessed 
hour,  that,  indeed,  is  to  have  made  experiment 

of  Christianity. 

Wm   Archer  Butler. 


December  26. 


361 


The  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  nnderstand- 
ing,  shall  keep  your  hearts  and  minds  through 
Christ  fesns. —  Phil.  iv.  7. 

Let  the  peace  of  God  rule  in  your  hearts.  —  CoL. 
iii.  15. 

Drop  Thy  still  dews  of  quietness, 

Till  all  our  strivings  cease  ; 
Take  from  our  souls  the  strain  and  stress. 
And  let  our  ordered  lives  confess 

The  beauty  of  Thy  peace. 

J.    G.    WlIITTIER. 

"  nPHESE  things  write  we  unto  you,  that  your 
-*■  joy  may  be  full."  What  is  fulness  of 
joy  but  peace  1  Joy  is  tumultuous  only  when  it 
is  not  full ;  but  peace  is  the  privilege  of  those 
who  are  "  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  the  glory 
of  the  Lord,  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea." 
**  Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  i^erfect  peace,  whose 
mind  is  stayed  on  Thee,  because  he  trusteth  in 
Thee."  It  is  peace,  springing  from  trust  and 
innocence,  and  then  overflowing  in  love  towards 
all  around  hit;-).  He  who  is  anxious,  thinks  of 
himself,  is  suspicious  of  danger,  speaks  hurriedly, 
and  has  no  time  for  the  interests  of  others ;  he 
who  lives  in  peace  is  at  leisure,  wherever  his  lot 
is  cast. 

J.  H.  Newman. 

Through  the  spirit  of  Divine  Love  let  the 
violent,  obstinate  powers  of  thy  nature  be  quieted, 
the  hardness  of  thy  affections  softened,  and  thine 
intractable  self-will  subdued ;  and  as  often  as 
anything  contrary  stirs  within  thee,  immediately 
sink  into  the  blessed  Ocean  of  meekness  and 
love.  G.  Tersteegen. 


3^2 


December  27. 


December  28. 


363 


Wherefore  thou  art  no  more  a  servant,  but  a  son  ; 
and  if  a  son,  then  an  heir  of  God  through  Christ, 
^-  Gal.  iv.  7. 

Not  by  the  terrors  of  a  slave 

God's  sons  perform  His  will, 
But  with  the  noblest  powers  they  have 

His  sweet  commands  fulfil. 

Isaac  Watts. 

OUR  thoughts,  good  or  bad,  are  not  in  our 
command,  but  every  one  of  us  has  at  all 
hours  duties  to  do,  and  these  he  can  do  negli- 
gently, like  a  slave,  or  faithfully,  like  a  true 
servant.  "  Do  the  duty  that  is  nearest  thee  "  — 
that  first,  and  that  well ;  all  the  rest  will  disclose 
themselves  with  increasing  clearness,  and  make 
their  successive  demand.  Were  your  duties 
never  so  small,  I  advise  you,  set  yourself  with 
double  and  treble  energy  and  punctuality,  to  do 
them,  hour  after  hour,  day  after  day. 

T.  Carlyle. 

Whatever  we  are,  high  or  lowly,  learned  or 
unlearned,  married  or  single,  in  a  full  house  or 
alone,  charged  with  many  affairs  or  dwelling 
in  quietness,  we  have  our  daily  round  of  work, 
our  duties  of  affection,  obedience,  love,  mercy, 
industry,  and  the  like;  and  that  which  makes 
one  man  to  differ  from  another  is  not  so  much 
what  things  he   does,  as  his   manner  of  doing 

them. 

H.  E.  MANNiNa 


Now  the  God  of  peace  make  you  perfect  in  every 
good  work,  to  do  His  will,  working  in  you  thai 
which  is  well-pleasing  in  His  sight.  —  Heb.  xiii. 
20,  21. 

Be  ready  to  every  good  work.  —  Titus  iii.  i 

So,  firm  in  steadfast  hope,  in  thought  secure. 
In  full  accord  to  all  Thy  world  of  joy. 

May  I  be  nerved  to  labors  high  and  pure, 
And  Thou  Thy  child  to  do  Thy  work  employ. 

J.  Sterling^ 

TI>E  with  God  in  thy  outward  works,  refer  them 
to  Him,  offer  them  to  Him,  seek  to  do 
them  in  Him  and  for  Him,  and  He  will  be  with 
thee  in  them,  and  they  shall  not  hinder,  but 
rather  invite  His  presence  in  thy  soul.  Seek 
to  see  Him  in  all  things,  and  in  all  things  He 
will  come  nigh  to  thee. 

E.   B.   PUSEY. 

Nothing  less  than  the  majesty  of  God,  and  the 
powers  of  the  world  to  come,  can  maintain  the 
peace  and  sanctity  of  our  homes,  the  order  and 
serenity  of  our  minds,  the  spirit  of  patience 
and  tender  mercy  in  our  hearts.  Then  will 
even  the  merest  drudgery  of  duty  cease  to  hum- 
ble us,  when  we  transfigure  it  by  the  glory  of  our 
own  spirit. 

J.  Martineau. 


3<54 


December  k59. 


Finally^  brethren^  whatsoever  thina^s  are  true, 
whatsoever  things  are  honesty  whatsoever  things 
are  just,  whatsoever  things  are  pure,  whatsoever 
things  are  lovely^  whatsoever  things  are  of  good 
report,  —  think  on  these  things.  —  Phil.  iv.  8. 

As  he  thinketh  in  his  heart,  so  is  he,  —  Prov. 
xxiii.  7. 

Still  may  Thy  sweet  mercy  spread 
A  shady  arm  above  my  head, 
About  my  paths;  so  shall  I  find 
The  fair  centre  of  my  mind 
Thy  temple,  and  those  lovely  walls 
Bright  ever  with  a  beam  that  falls 
Fresh  from  the  pure  glance  of  Thine  eye, 
Lighting  to  eternity. 

R.  Crashaw. 

ly^AKE  yourselves  nests  of  pleasant  thoughts. 
^^  None  of  us  yet  know,  for  none  of  us  have 
been  taught  in  early  youth,  what  fairy  palaces 
we  may  build  of  beautiful  thought  —  proof  against 
all  adversity.  Bright  fancies,  satisfied  memories, 
noble  histories,  faithful  sayings,  treasure-houses 
of  precious  and  restful  thoughts,  which  care 
cannot  disturb,  nor  pain  make  gloomy,  nor  pov- 
erty take  away  from  us,  —  houses  built  without 
hands,  for  our  souls  to  live  in. 

J.   RUSKIN. 

For  nowhere  either  with  more  quiet  or  more 

freedom  from  trouble  does  a  man  retire  than  into 

his  own   soul ;    particularly  when  he  has  within 

him  such  thoughts,  that  by  looking  into  them 

he  is  immediately  in  perfect  tranquillity.     And 

I  affirm  that  tramiuillity  is  nothing  else  than  the 

good  ordering  of  the  mind. 

Marcus  Antoninus. 


December  30, 


3^5 


0  Lord,  I  know  that  the  way  of  man  is  not  in 
himself :  it  is  not  in  tnan  that  walkcth  to  direct  his 
steps.  — Jer.  X.  23. 

1  will  direct  all  his  ways.  —  Is  A.  xlv.  13. 


Come,  Light  serene  and  still  1 
Our  darkened  spirits  fill 

With  thy  clear  day: 
Guide  of  the  feeble  sight. 
Star  of  grief's  darkest  night, 
Reveal  the  path  of  right, 

Show  us  Thy  way. 

Robert  IL  of  France: 


<S" 


T^HERE  had  been  solemn  appointed  seasons 

in  Anna's  life,  when  she  was  accustomed 

to  enter  upon  a  full  and  deliberate  survey  of  her 

business   in   this   world.     The   claims   of   each 

relationship,  and  the  results  of  each  occupation, 

were  then  examined  in  the  light  of  eternity.     It 

was  then,  too,  her  fervent  prayer  to  be  enabled 

to  discern  the  will  of  God  far  more  perfectly, 

not  only  in  the   indications  given  of  it  for  her 

guidance  through   each  day's   occupations,  but 

as  it  might  concern  duties  not  yet  brought  home 

to  her  conscience,  and  therefore  unprovided  for 

in  her  life. 

Anna,  or  Passages  from  Home  Life. 


z^ 


December  31. 


Forgetting  those  things  which  are  behind,  and 
reaching  forth  unto  those  things  which  are  before^ 
1  press  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high 
calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus.  —  Phil.  iii.  13,  14. 

Yet  I  argue  not 
Against  Heaven's  hand  or  will,  nor  bate  a  jot 
Of  heart  or  hope ;  but  still  bear  up  and  steer 
Right  onward. 

J.  Milton. 


TT  is  not  by  regretting  what  is  irreparable  that 
true  work  is  to  be  done,  but  by  making  the 
best  of  what  we  are.  It  is  not  by  complaining 
that  we  have  not  the  right  tools,  but  by  using 
well  the  tools  we  have.  What  we  are,  and  where 
we  are,  is  God's  providential  arrangement, — 
God's  doing,  though  it  may  be  man's  misdoing ; 
and  the  manly  and  the  wise  way  is  to  look  your 
disadvantages  in  the  face,  and  see  what  can  be 
made  out  of  them.  Life,  like  war,  is  a  series  of 
mistakes,  and  he  is  not  the  best  Christian  nor 
the  best  general  who  makes  the  fewest  false  steps. 
He  is  the  best  who  wins  the  most  splendid 
victories  by  the  retrieval  of  mistakes.  Forget 
mistakes ;  organize  victory  out  of  mistakes. 

F.  W.  Robertson. 


INDEX  OF  AUTHORS 


OF  THE    PROSE    SELECTIONS. 


PAGB 

Adorna,  Catherine  (1447-1510) 285 

Anna,  or  Passages  from  Home  Life  'j-j,  165,  200,365 
Anonymous.  .  .  .  116,142,143,235,254,327,348 
Antoninus,  Marcus  Aurelius  (i 21-180)  .  25,  34,  89, 

118,  161,  174,  177,  206,  274,  278,  364 

Arnold,  Thomas  (1795-1842) 228 

Augustine,  St.  {354-430) 27,  166 

Basil,  Coptic  Liturgy  of  St.  (about  370)    .    .  351 

Barnes,  Alisert  (1798-1S70) 127 

BoiiTHius  (about  470-524) 326 

Boston,  Thomas  (1676-1732) 124 

Bront6,  Charlotfe  (Mrs.  Nicholls)   {1816- 

1855) 277 

Brooke,  Stopford  A.  (b.  1832) 90,  207 

Brooks,  Phillips  (b.  1835).    .    .  5,86,158,211,314 

Brown,  James  Baldwin  (b.  1820) 291 

Browne,  Sir  Thomas  (1605-1682) 43 

BusHNELL,  Horace  (1802-1876) 302 

Butler,  Bishop  Joseph  (1692-1752) ....  22,  146 


368 


INDEX  OF  AUTHORS. 


Butler,  William  Archer  {1814-1848) 
Buxton,  Charles  (1S22-1S71)  .    .    .    . 


PACH 

107,    360 

.     82,   127 


Carlyle,  Thomas  (1795-1S80)  .  50,  132,  220,  275,  293, 

313^  316,  339.  343.  353.  356,  363 
Carter,  Thomas  Thelluson,  pub.  187 1  .  .  .  160 
Cecil,  Richard  (1748-1810)  .  .  13,  147,  148,  298 
Channing,  William  Ellery  {1780-1842) .     iii,  163 

192,  222,  359 

Charles,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  (Run dell)  (b.  about 

1826) 8,58,103,152,269,280,336,341 

Clarke,  James  Freeman  (b.  1810)  .  .  .  212,  258 
CuBiiE,  Frances  Power  (b.  1822)  .  .  82,  113,  137 
CoLLYER,  Robert  (b.  1823) 65 

Dewey,  Orville  (1794-1SS2)    ....     88,  178,  216 

Edwards,  Jonathan  (1703-175S) 123 

Eliot,  George  (Marian  Evans  Cross)  (1819^ 

1S80) 38,46,80,177,263,277,288,297 

Emerson,  Mary  Moody  (177 4- 1863)  ....  131 
Emerson,  Ralph  Waldo  (1803-1882)  .  .  20,  46,  91, 
105,  122,  14S,  151.  155'  i''^4,  206,  225,  293,  330 
Epictetus  (ist  and  2d  centuries  of  Christian  era)  44 
Erskine,  Thomas  {178S-1870) 313 

Faber,  Frederick  William  {1S15-1863)  .  32,94,97, 

146,  148,  160,  193,  239,  317,  340 
F6NEL0N,  Fran(^ois  de  Salic.nac  de  la  Mothe 
(1651-1715)     .   41,42,  55'^o.  ^>.*'^4. 97. 124,  135.  M9, 
180,  193,  226,  233,  247,  257,  264,  279,  291,  331,  347 

FlCHTE,   JoHANN    CIOTTLIEB    (1762-1814)       .        IO4,   353 

Fox,  George  (1624-1690) "o 


INDEX  OF  AUTHORS.  369 

PAGE 

Gannett,  William  Channing  (b.  1840)  ...    289 
Gelasian  Sacramentary,  f^;«///t'^rt;/w</'492.    .   217, 

246 

Gold  Dust,  pub.  18S0 55.  i47 

Greaves,  James  Pierrepoint  (1777-1842)  .    .  21,  196, 

200,  227,  239,  266,  282,  318 
Grou,  Jean  Nicolas  {1731-1S03)     .    .  12,  24,  40,47, 

94,  121,  136,  167,  226,  232,  256 
GtJYON,  Madame  Jeanne-Marie  (164S-1717)     .    119, 

141,  1S8,  196,  202,  319 

Hale,  Edward  Everett  (b.  1822) 8 

Hall,  Bishop  Joseph  (i 574-1656) 309 

Havergal,  Frances  Ridley  (1836-1879) .  14,  51,  94, 

114,  145,322,349 

Hill,  Rowland  (i 744-1 833) 201 

HiNTON,  James  (1822-1875)  .      194,  250,  271,  318,  357 

Hughes,  Thomas  (b.  1823) 96,  164 

Humboldt,  Karl  Wilhelm  von  (1767-1835)  .    132, 

220,  233 

Juliana,  Mother,  written  1373 260 

Keary,  Annie  (1825-1879)   .    .    .    .16,117,224,282 

Keble,  John  (i  792-1866) 33,  292 

Kelty,  Mary  Anne, /«;^.  1853.      34,  62,  140,  172,  278 
Kempis,  Thomas  A.  ( 1380-147 1)     .    .  42,44,  135,  161, 

166,  188 
King,  Mrs  Elizabeth  Taber,  written  1856.  .  203 
KiNGSLEY,  Charles  (1819-1875)    ....     151,  181 

Law,  William  (1686-1761)  .    7, 17,  59,69,  79,  92, 109, 
173.  230,  238,  270,  272,  281,  292,  304,  310,  223 

24 


370 


INDEX  OF  AUTHORS. 


PAGB 

Leighton,  Robert  (1611-1684)     .    .  74,  98,  171,  189, 

208,  231,311,345 

Longfellow,  Samuel  (b.  1819) 219 

Luther,  Martin  {14S3-1546)    .    .     84,  140,  155,  311 

MacDonald,  George  (b.  1824) .  2,  61,  68,  79,  128,  129, 

162,  202,  204,  216,  238,  355 

Manning,  Cardinal  Henry  Edward  (b.  180S)  .     10, 

18, 39,  52,  76,  98,  loi,  109, 126, 130,  150,  160,  170,  182, 

187,  229,  240,  252,  253,  296, 306,  332,  341;  346,  351,  362 

Martineau,  James  (b.  1805)     .     i,  6,  54,  63,  95,  102, 

176,  186,  210,  241,  251,  290,  315,  358,  363 

Master,  The  Divine,  pub.  about  1850    ....    255 

Maurice,   John   Frederick    Denison    (1805- 

'S72) 28,37,139 

Melanchthon,  Philip  (1497-1 560) 74 

Merriam,  George  Spring  (b.  1843)  78, 115, 202,  244, 268 

Miller,  J.  R 227 

MoLiNos,  Miguel  {1627-1696)  .    .    133,  172,  197,  239, 

286,301,334,345 

More,  Henry  (1614-1687) 21,83 

Mountford,  William  (1816-1885) 171 

Newman,  Cardinal  John  Henry  (b.  1801)  .     5,  38, 

56,  70,  100,  189,  250,  253,  273,  361 

Penington,  Isaac  (1617-1679)  .    49,  75,  116,  125,  133, 
163, 186,  196,  236,  245,  299,  320,  327,  328,  338,  344 

Plutarch  (about  45-120) 159 

Prentiss,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  (Payson)  (1818-1878)    264 

PusEY,  Edward  Bouverie  (1800-1882)     .    4,  11,  15, 

22,  45.  48,  67,  77,  85,  93,  95,  106,  144,  168,  183,  185, 

199,  217,  225,  250,  318,  322,  327,  338,  342,  363 


!K' 


INDEX  OF  AUTHORS.  37 ^ 

PAGB 

Renty,  Gaston  Jean  Baptiste,  Baron  de  (1611- 

1648) 335 

RicHTER,  Jean  Paul  Friedrich  (1763-1825)  .  269 
RoBBiNs,  Samuel  Dowse  {181 2-1884)  ....  72 
Robertson,  Frederick  William  (1816-1853)  .     13, 

36,  S3,  62,  96,  112,  156,  190,  248,  259,  267,  276,  297, 

308,366 
Rogers,  Mrs.  Hester  Ann  (1756-1794)  .  .  .  352 
Rossetti,  Christina  G.  (b.  1830)  .  .  23,  166,  213 
RusKiN,  John  (b.  1819)    .     6,  9,  20,  25,  loi,  246,  255^ 

257.  308,  364 
Rutherford,  Samuel  (1600-1661)    .  25,49,  143,340 

S.,  Mrs.  H.  W.,  pub.  1875  •  3'.  7i.  83,  99,  169,  184,  195, 

209,  zy],  295,  301.312,333 
Sales,  Francis  de  (i  567-1622)     .  29,  57,66,  79,  108, 
146,  175,  183,  214,  215,  243,  249,  287,  319,  347 
Schimmelpenninck,  Mrs.  Mary  Anne  (1778- 

1856) 73,  118,122,283 

ScupoLi,  Lorenzo  (d.  1610)  .  .  .  153,  214,  250,  309 
StWELL,  Elizabeth   Missing  (b.  181 5)  .    .    .    .    165 

Shaw,  Samuel  (b.  1635) 288 

Sibbes,  Richard  { 1 577-1635) 141.340 

Smiley,  Sarah  F.,  pub.  1876 267 

Smith,  John  {1618-1652)  .    .    .    60,64,  i54,  218,  329 

Spinoza,  Benedict  (1632-1677) 326 

Stanley,  Arthur  Penrhyn  (181 5-1882)  .     138,  157, 

191,  242,  294 

Stowe,  Mrs.  Harriet  Beecher  (b.  1812)  298,  307,  324 
Swedenborg,  Emanuel  (1688-1772)  .  .  200.  272 
Swetchine,  Madame  Anne  Sophie  (1782-1857)   148, 

287 


372 


IJ^DEX  OF  A  UTHORS, 


Tauler,  John  (1290-1361)    .  26,30,  70,  120, 

Taylor,  Jeremy  {1613-1667)     ...     3,  10, 
Tersteegen,  Gerhard  {1697-1769)   .    .  169, 

266,  304, 
Theologia  Germanica,  written  about  1350 
Thom,  John  HaxMIlton,  pub.  1S51     .  35,  87, 
179,  205,  221,  262,  300,  317,  328,  336, 
Thoreau,  Henry  David  (1S17-1862)    .   156, 
Tryon,  Thomas,  pub.  1703 


PAGE 

223,  261, 

m.  326 
189, 236, 
321,361 
254, 2S4 

129, 134, 

zm^  343 
170, 206 

325. 342 


Union,  Christian 30^ 

Upham,  Thomas  Cogswell  (1799-1872)    .    .    7,  102, 

119,198,248,282,313,324,350 

Ware,  Henry,  Jr.  (1794-1843) 276 

Wesley,  John  {1703-179O 288 

Whitney,  Mrs.  Adeline  D.  T.  (b.  1824)     .  265,  354 

Wilkinson,  G.  H.,  pub.  1870 234 

Wilson,  Bishop  Thomas  (1663-1755)    ....    335 
Woman,  A  Poor  Methodist  (iSth  century).    .      19 

Woods,  Margaret,  •zoritten  1771 334 

WooLMAN,  John  (1720-1772)    .     25,  7^,  201,  263,  312 


1- 


INDEX    OF  AUTHORS 

OF  THE  POETICAL  SELECTIONS. 


Ambrose,  St.  (340-397) 3'>4 

^^^^^^<^^^ 13,  34,  49.  52,  63,  70,  74, 

7Sy  85,  118,  121,  140,  160,  161,  181,  193, 
200,  201,  217,  243,  244,  257,  262,  265,  267, 
271,  287,  293,  307.  316,  318,  331,  332,  358 

Anstice,  Joseph  (1808-1836) ^^ 

Arnold,  Matthew  (1822-18S8) 25 

AuBER,  Harriet  (1773-1862) ,., 

Austin,  John  (d.  1669) 112,130 

Barr,  Lillie  E 248 

Barry,  Henry  H -, 

Bonar,  Horatius  (b.  1S08)     .    .    44,  83,  229,  Z3Z,  360 

Borthwick,  Jane  (b.  1813) ,70,  341 

Browning,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Barrett  (1809-1861) 

131,  138,  261 
Browning,  S.  G 54  141; 

Bryant,  William  CuLLEN  ( 1 794-187S)  .    ...    125 
Butts,  Mary  Frances  (b.  1836) 5S 


374 


INDEX  OP  AUTHORS. 


PAOB 

C.,H.W 303 

Carlyle,  Thomas  (1795-1880) 129 

Chadvvick,  John  White  (b.  1840) 153 

Charles,  Mrs,  Elizabeth  (b.  about  1826)  .    .    .  115 

Clarke,  James  Freeman  (1810-1888)     ....  9 

Coleridge,  Samuel  Taylor  {1772-1834)   ...  92 

Coolidge,  Susan 7,  53,  183,  296 

Corneille,  Pierre 320 

CoTTERiLL,  Mrs.  M.  J.  (d.  1819) 122 

CowPER,  William  ( 1 731-18CX))  ....  10,305,345 
Craik,  Mrs.  Dinah   Maria   (Mulock)  (1826- 

1888.?) 211 

Crashaw,  Richard  (about  1610-1650)   ....  364 

Davison,  Francis  (1575-1618) 99 

Dessler,  Wolfgang  Christofh  (i 660-1 722)  231,  321 
Doddridge,  Philip  (1702-1751)  .  .  2,41,154,342 
Dwight,  John  Sullivan  (b.  1813) 350 

Edmeston,  James  (1791-1867) 336 

Eliot,  George  (Marian  Evans  Cross)  (1819- 

1880) 86 

Elliott,  Charlotte  (1789-187 1 ) 136 

Emerson,  Ralph  Waldo  ( 1 803-1 882)    .    .     128,151, 

194,  220 
Evans,  Albert  Eubule  ( 1868) 226 

Faber,  Frederick  William  (18 15- 1863)  •    •  27, 106, 

113,  178,  180,  184,  222,  292,  340,  356 

Farningham,  Marianne 169 

Flemming,  Paul  (1609-1640)  ....  133,176,279 
Francke,  A.  H.  (1663-1727) 335 


^ 


X 


INDEX  OF  AUTHORS. 


375 


PAOB 

Gannett,  William  Channing  (b.  1840)   ...    152 
Gaskell,  William  (1837) 132 

GeDICKE,  LaMPERTUS  (1683-I735) IQ2 

Gellert,  Christian  Furchtegott  (171 5-1769)    280 
Gerhardt,  Paul  (1606-1676)    .    .     72,187,215,216, 

223,302,  309,  3".  344,  347 

German,  From  the 42,  48,  141 

Gill,  Thomas  Hornblower  (b.  1819)    ...    12,  359 

Gladden,  WAsfiiNoroN  (b.  1836) '.      36 

Goethe,  Johann  Wolfgang  von  (1749-1832)    .      23 
GuYON,  Madame  Jeanne  B.  de  la  Motte  (1648- 

1717) 348 


ITagenbach,  Karl  Rudolph  (1S01-1874) 
Hall,  Mrs.  Luuisa  Jane  (b.  1802)     .    . 
Hamilton,  Anna  E.  (about  1846-1876)  . 
Havergal,  Frances  Ridley  (1836-1879) 

110,  163,  177,  2 
Hawf.is,  Thomas  ( 1 732-1 820)    .    . 
Hkber,  Reginald  (i 783-1826)   .    . 
HERHFRr,  George  (1593- 163 2)   .    . 
HiGGiNsoN,  Thomas  Wentworth  (b 
Holmes,  Oliver  Wendell  (b.  1809) 
Hosmer,  Frederick  L.  (b.  1840)    . 
HovvELLS,  William  Dean  (b.  1837) 
Hymns  from  the  Land  of  Luther 

Hymns  of  the  Ages 

Hymns  of  the  Church  Militant 
Hymns  of  the  Spirit 


62 


1823) 


59 


•  147 

•  343 

33 

18, 108, 

295»  355 
.  212 

.   61 

69,  76,  lOI 
.  204 
I 

•  357 

•  94 
.  107 

.  114 

•  325 
120,  228 


Ingelow,  Jean  (b.  1825) 50,  158,  16S 


376 


INDEX  OF  AUTHORS. 


TAOK 

Intelligencer,  Christian 186,  263 

Irons,  William  Josiam  (b.  1812) 328 

J.C.E 4 

Johnson,  Samuel  (1S22-18S2)  .    .    .  29,  iii,  164,  2S4 

Keble,  John  (1792-1866)  .    .    6,  16,  39,  56,  60,  79,  82, 
96,  105,  126,  146,  148,  191,  20S,  250,  269,  2S6 

Ken,  Thomas  (1637-1711) 308,322 

Kimball,  Harriet  McEwen    ....    95,  258,  351 

Lange,  Joachim  (1670-1 744) 20,205,235 

Larcom,  Lucy  (b.  1S26) 275,  297 

Latin  MSS.  of  1 5TH  Century 51 

Longfellow,  Samuel  (b.  1819)   .    5,  71,  97,  198,  227, 

282,  284 
Lowell,  James  Russell  (b.  1S19) ....     190,  221 

Lyra  Apostolica 339 

Lyra  Catholica 218 

Lyte,  Henry  Francis  (1793-1847)  .    90,  142,  175,  241 

Milton,  John  (1608-1674) 149,  366 

Montgomery,  James  (1771-1854) 273 

More,  Hannah  (1745-1833) 127 

More,  Henry  (1614-1687) 64 

Neale,  John  Mason  (181 8-1S66) 319 

Neumarck,  Georg  (1653) 37.124 

Newman,  John  Henry  (b.  1801)  .    .    .    40,117,214, 

232,  253,  276 
Newton,  Adelaide  Leaper  (1S24-1854)  ...  11 
Newton,  John  (1725-1807) 28,116 


INDEX  OF  AUTHORS. 


377 


PAGE 

Packard,  Caroline  M 66 

Parsons,  Thomas  William  (b.  1819)  ....  199 
Procter,  Adelaide  Anne  (1825-1865)  .    26,  188,  277 

Puchta,  Heinrich 173 

Pythagoras  (570-504  B.C.) 77 

Quarles,  John  (1624-1665) 346 

Richter,  Christian  Friedrich  (1676-17 it)  .    .  203 

Rohert  n.  OF  France  (972-1031) 365 

Rudigast,  Samuel  (1649-1708) 259 

Rosenroth,  Christian  Knorr  von  (1636-1689)  268 

Rothe,  JoiiANN  Andreas  (1688-1758)    ....  167 

RuTiLius  (1604) 281 

Saxby,  Mrs  Jane  Euphemia  (b.  iSii)  ....  3 
Schiller,  Friedrich  von  (1759-1S05)  ....  225 
Schmoi.cke,  Benjamin  (1672-1737)    .    .    .     301,326 

Scudder,  Eliza 30,88,246,315 

Sharpe's  Magazine 32 

Shipton,  Anna  (1869) 156,  291 

SiLESius,  Angklus  (1624-1677) 93 

Spitta,  Carl  Johann  Piiilipp  (b.  iSoi)     89,  2S3,  310 

Sterling,  John  (1806-1S44) 55.260,363 

SrowE,  Mrs.  Harriet  Beecher  (b.  1S12)  .  .  73,  87 
Sutton,  Henry  Septimus  (pub.  1S54)    .    51,  213,  247 

T,  B 354 

Tennyson,  Alfred  (b.  iSro) 272 

Tersteegen,  Gerhard  (1697- 1 769)    .         19,46,179, 

230,  270,  289,  312,  323,  352 


378 


INDEX  OP  AUTHORS. 


FAOB 

ToPLADY,  Augustus  Montague  (1740-1778)  .    .    162 
Trench,  Richard  Chenevix  (b.  1807)  •   206,  219,  252, 

256,  285,  290 

Upham,  Thomas  Cogswell  (1790^1872)    ...      98 

Vaughan,  Henry  (1621-1695) 21,209 

W..E .    .    207 

Waring,  Anna  L.i£titia  (pub.  1850)  8, 14,24,43,47,80, 

m^  165. 171, 182, 195, 224, 236, 245, 298,329,334 

Warner,  Anna  B 65,  249,  349 

Watps,  Isaac  (1674-1748)     .  84, 102, 1/2,  239,  338, 362 

Weissel,  Georg  (1590-1635) 197 

Wesley,  Cfiarles  (1708-1788)  .    .    35,57,68,78,100, 

103,  119,  123,  135,  139,  185,  189,  196,  237,  238, 

240,  255,  264,  278,  288,  294.  304,  306,  313,  327 

Whitney,  Mrs.  Adeline  D.  T.  (b,  1824)  ...    314 

Whhtier,  John  Greenleaf  (b.  1808)  .    .    17,22,59, 

67,  81,  109,  144,  150,  157,  166,  210, 

233.  234,  251,  299,  300,  330,  337,  361 

Williams,  Isaac  (1802-1865)     •    •    .    .   134,155,353 

Williams,  Sarah  (d.  1868) 174,202,242 

Winkler,  JoHANN  Joseph  (1670-1722)  .    ...    104 
Wordsworth,  William  (1770-1S50)  .    .    38,  91, 

159,266,317 
WoTTON,  Sir  Henry  (156S-1639) 274 


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Hours,'"'  '''' Sunshine  in  the  Soul, ^''  etc. 

A  new  and  enlar<i:ed  edition.  i8mo,  cloth,  red  edges, 
price  51.00;  white  and  gold,  $1.25;  padded  calf, 
$3.50 ;  morocco,  }?3.oo. 


THIS  little  volume  is  intended  to  contain  love-poems  of 
a  pure  and  elevated  character,  and  those  alone. 
Poems  of  jealousy,  remorse,  and  hopeless  longing  and 
regret  are  omitted;  and  this  rule  excludes  a  very  large 
number  of  well-known  and  sometimes  very  fine  poems,  t 
have  not  left  out  such  as  treat  of  the  sorrow  of  absence 
and  similar  trials;  but  I  have  wished  tu  make  the  book 
as  a  whole  inspire  cheerfulness  and  hope,  and  not  sadness. 
It  contains  sonnets  of  Shakesiicare  and  Mrs.  I'rouning, 
songs  of  Lovelace  and  lUirns,  and  poetry  by  Tennyson, 
Coventry  Patmorc,  and  many  other  less-known  singers. 
Some  specimens  are  given  of  the  ingenious  and  melodious 
versification  of  the  younger  English  poets,  such  as  Payne 
and  Manby. 

Sent  by  mail,  postpaid^  on  receipt  0/  price,  by  the 
publishers, 

ROBERTS  BROTHERS,   Boston. 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARIES 

This  book  is  due  on  the  date  indicated  below,  or  at  the 
expiration  of  a  definite  period  after  the  date  of  borrowing,  as 
provided  by  the  library  rules  or  by  special  arrangement  with 
the  Librarian  in  charge. 


OATC  Bonitoweo 

DATS  DUE 

DATC  BORROWCO 

OATC  DUC 

« 

CO 


LUMBIA  UNIVERS 


0032 


26102 


TY 


I 


^Vit 


